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PH F. WAGNER. NEW YORK 



CLASSICAL DRAMAS 

Arranged for Performance 
By Male Characters Only 

and supplied with minute stage directions, diagrams, costum« 
property plots, etc. 

By Prof. C. J. BIRBECK 

T««cher of Elocution at ST. Francis XaviEr'S C01.1.EGE, New York; 
..Aivi. College, South Orange, etc.; Director of Dramatic Productit 
by ST. Francis XaviER'S and other prominent institutions 



OF THIS SERIES HAVE BEEN ISSUED 

No. I. RICHARD HI, adapted from the original of Shak^ 
No. II. RICHELIEU, adapted from the original of Lytton B 
No. III. THE BELLS, adapted from Sir Henry Irving's 
Price EACH 50 Cents 

The series will be continued 



1 



For high class productions in Male Colleges, Young 
Clubs, etc., no better or more successful material could bj 
than these CLASSICAL PLAYS, arranged by such an ej^ 
stage craft as Prof. Birbeck. His explicit directions fo 
managing these dramas will insure and facilitate a worthy, 
and successful performance of the same. Prof. Birbeck' s sei 
be cordially welcomed by all those in need of really good 1 
for male performers, material which has so far been exc 



scarce. 



JOSEPH F. WAGNER, 9 BARCLAY STREET, NEW 



RICHELIEU 

OR 

THE CONSPIRACY 



DRAMA 

IN FIVE ACTS 



BY 

SIR E. LYTTON BULWER 



ADAPTED 

For performance by Male Characters and supplied with 
minute directions for stage management 

BY 

C. J. BIRBECK 

Professor of Elocution and English Literature 



NEW YORK 

JOSEPH F. WAGNER 



^' 



A% 



,^^ 



av 



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(X 



LIBRARY oi CON'SRtSsI 
Two Copies ncceiveu j 

DEC 22 lSu4 I 

CUlSS <<^ XXc. Nti I 



Copyright. u;o4. by Joseph F. Waonek, New Yort 



U- 3^'V7> 



RICHELIEU. 

A WORD TO THE READER. 

This play has been arranged for those who wish to give a 
performance without the aid of female characters. 

It is impracticable, as can be readily understood, that the 
feminine roles of the original could be personated in colleges and 
institutions of learning devoted to the education of young men. 

As the study of classical plays is of much value to the 
student and as the spirit of the author, likewise his literary 
excellencies are more deeply imprinted on the mind by exact 
memorization and further by the delineation of the various char- 
acters, we feel there is some apology for the several liberties we 
have taken with text of our great author in our adaptation. 

We have been quite careful to adhere as closely to the plot 
and lines of the author as was consistent with the changes 
necessary to be made. 

Some omissions and a few interpolations on account of the 
transposition of characters have been made, in order that the 
work may harmonize. 

The various entrances and exits have been given. The relative 
position of the characters as well as the grouping of crowds and 
placing of soldiers and others are to be found in the diagrams 
numerously interspersed through the book. The stage settings, 
properties, costumes and abbreviated stage directions are ade- 
quately explained. 

All lines or words, which might be judged offensive, have been 
omitted. 

The most fastidious and the youngest pupil can use the book 
with entire confidence. 

C J> BiRBECK. 



EXTRACT FROM THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 

The administration of Cardinal Richelieu, whom history justly 
considers the true architect of the French monarchy, and the 
great parent of French civilization, is characterized by features 
alike tragic and comic. A weak king — an ambitious favorite ; a 
despicable conspiracy against the minister, nearly always asso- 
ciated with a dangerous treason against the State — these, with 
little variety of names and dates, constitute the eventful cycle 
through which, with a dazzling ease, and an arrogant confidence, 
the great luminary fulfilled its destinies. 

It has been fairly remarked, by the most impartial historians, 
that he was no less generous to merit than severe to crime — that, 
in the various departments of the State, the Army, and the 
Church, he selected and distinguished the ablest aspirants — 
that the wars which he conducted were, for the most part, essen- 
tial to the preservation of France, and Europe itself, from the 
formidable encroachments of the Austrian House — that, in spite 
of those wars, the people were not oppressed with exorbitant 
imposts — and that he left the kingdom he had governed in a more 
flourishing and vigorous state than at any former period of the 
French history, or at the decease of Louis XIV. 

The cabals formed against this great statesman were not 
carried on by the patriotism of public virtue, or the emulation 
of equal talent : they were but court struggles, in which the most 
worthless agents had recourse to the most desperate means. In 
each, as I have before observed, we see combined the twofold 
attempt to murder the minister and to betray the country. Such, 
then, are the agents, and such the designs with which truth, in 
the Drama as in History, requires us to contrast the celebrated 
Cardinal; — not disguising his foibles or his vices, but not unjust 
to the grander qualities (especially the love of country), by 
which they were often dignified, and, at times, redeemed. 



COSTUMES. 
(Best authorities on the subject have been consulted.) 

Louis. Handsome black doublet, trunks and cloak — lace collar — 
lace at knee. Black silk stockings — shoes with rosettes. Black 
hat with plumes. The cross of St. Louis is on the front part 
of the cloak — Sword belt and rapier — Hair long — moustache. 

Orleans. Dark red doublet, trunks and cloak. Lace collar — 
Silk tights — Hat with plumes. BufF leather boots to be worn 
in Act L An order hanging from neck — sword. Long brown 
wig-moustache. 

Clermont 'w 

De Beringhen / Styles similar to those above, but differing in 

De Lorme f color— swords. 

Courtiers ) 

Baradas. Handsome green satin suit, with white and gold trim- 
mings—Order of St. Louis on cloak— Buff boots in Act I. 
Sword. Dark wig and makeup. 

Richelieu, ist dress. Black cassock, red buttons down the 
front, red skull cap, deep white collar, white cuffs over the 
sleeves, red stockings and shoes, red sash. Pectoral cross and 
ring. 

2nd dress. Long dark colored fur-trimmed dressing gown 
worn over ist dress. 

3rd dress. Scarlet cassock — white lace rochet — ^very long 
scarlet cappa magna trimmed with ermine — scarlet barretta. 
Long wavy gray wig — moustache and imperial. 

Joseph. A monk's brown habit ; white rope girdle — flesh-colored 
stockings, sandals. Bald gray wig, hair short — smooth face. 

Roland. A dress similar to that of Orleans, but very light and 
brilliant in color. Blond wig — hair long and wavy. 

De Mauprat. ist dress. Plain dark velvet doublet, trunks and 
cloak, lace rufiles and collar, buff boots, hat and plumes — belt 
and sword. 

2nd dress. Rich blue brocade suit, white and gold trim- 
mings — lace — silk stockings, shoes with rosettes. 
Srd dress. Complete suit of steel armor. 
4th dress. Use the second dress. Long reddish brown 
wig — moustache. 



pRANgois. 1st dress. Black cassock, white collar, black stock- 
ings — shoes. 

2nd dress. Buff-colored jerkin and breeches, steel back 
and breast plates — hat, cross belt, sword, boots — Wig, long and 
wavy. 

HuGUET. Buff-colored jerkin, slashed breeches, buff boots, 
gauntlets, a gorget, a hat with red plumes ; a bandoleer thrown 
over the right shoulder. Long black wig — moustache. 

Capt. of Archers. Green jerkin and breeches; waist belt, buff 
gloves, and boots ; hat and feather. 

Secretaries of State. Black velvet doublets, cloaks, and 
breeches ; lace collars and cuffs ; shoes and roses. 

Guards. Doublets with loose sleeves; breeches, stockings, and 
high shoes with rosettes ; the letter "L" and a crown em- 
broidered on the breast ; hat and feathers. 

Guards of the Cardinal slightly different. 

Pages. Scarlet and purple doublets, cloaks, and breeches, slightly 
trimmed with gold ; shoes and rosettes. 

Conspirators. Complete suits of armor of the time. 



CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY. 

Louis XHI, King of France. 

Gaston, Duke of Orleans, Brother to the King. 

Count de Baradas, the King's Favorite. 

Cardinal Richelieu, Minister of France. 

The Chevalier de Mauprat, 

Roland de Mortem ar. Ward to Richelieu. 

The Sieur de Beringhen, one of the conspirators. 

Clermont (a courtier). 

Joseph, a Capuchin Monk. (Richelieu's confidant.) 

FRANgois, a page to Richelieu. 

Huguet — (An officer in Richeueu's household — a spy.) 

De Lorme — a spy. 

First, Second and Third Secretaries of State. 

Captain of the Archers. 

Courtiers, Pages, Conspirator, Soldiers. 

Time of Representation. — Two Hours and a Half. 

Time^i642. 

Place — Paris and vicinity. 



PROPERTIES. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — Carpet down. Two small gilded tables, six chairs; 
wine, goblets, dice, diceboxes, metal money. Swords 
for characters, guns for soldiers ; parchment for 
Baradas. 

Scene II. — Two tables, R and L, antique high-back chairs, foot- 
stool, screen, panoply, a long and short sword, docu- 
ments, bell on table, ink, paper, quills, busts, statues, 
banners, large clock, fire in fireplace, gun for Huguet, 
books, desk. 



ACT II. 

Scene I. — Documents and parchment scroll for Baradas — napkin 
for De Beringhen. 

Scene II. — Same as Act I, Scene II — purse and money on table L. 



ACT III. 

Antique furniture — lamp and candelabrum on tables. Money 
for Francois — Portieres on center opening — completely arranged 
bed behind center opening. 

ACT IV. 
Guns for the soldiers — documents. 

ACT V. 

Watch for Baradas — documents and portfolios for the three 
secretaries. Throne chair on platform R. Large sofa with 
cushions L. Parchment and sealed packet. 



DIAGRAM OF STAGE POSITIONS. 
(actor is facing the audience.) 
R, 5 E. — Right 5th entrance. 



R. 


4 


E. 


R. 


3 


E. 


R. 


2 


E. 



L. 


S 


E. 


L. 


4 


R 


L. 


3 


E, 


L. 


2 


E. 



R. I E. — Right 1st entrance. 



Left 1st entrance. — L. i E. 



{Front of stage.) 



L. 3 D. — Door at left, third en- 
trance. 

R. 2 D. — Door at right, second 
entrance, etc. 

D. R. F. — Door in right flat. 

D. L. F. — Door in left flat, etc. 

C. — Center of the stage. 



R. C. — To the right of center. 
L. C. — To the left of center. 
X. — To cross the stage. 

X's. R. — To cross to the right 

of stage. 
X's. L. — To cross to the left of 

stage. 



Scene I. 
Scene II. 



SCENERY. 
ACT I. 

Interior backing 



Qothic drop uv l. 



Scene I. 



ACT II. 



Drop in I. sfioviring handsome Inleriw. 




Scene II. 

Same set as Act I, Scene II. 



Qothic £oKed 




/>oor' 



ACT III. 



Backing 



:^rcfv 



ACT IV. 



QcLrden, drop c/v S. 



\_ 



Windot^ 



Balustrcuia 



S/eps) 



BaCustraUe 



ACT V. 



Interior backing. 




/Irxtv 




RICHELIEU; 

OR, 

THE CONSPIRACY. 



ACT I. 
First Day. 



Scene I. — A room in the house of De Lorme. Handsome interior 
gothic drop in I ; i. e., a front scene. Two small, round gilt 
tables R. and L. Four gilt chairs. Wine, glasses, dice boxes 
and dice, also coins on each table. Lights up. Portieres on 
center arch — Carpet. 

Interior Backing 



Arch 



R. t E. hih. hih L. lE. 

Chair TabU Chair Chair TabU Chair 



Duke of Orleans seated R. of R. table. Baradas L. of R. 
table. De Lorme behind R. table. De Mauprat seated R. of L. 
table. De Beringhen R. of L. table — Clermont behind L. 
table. Courtiers looking at game at each table. Characters are 
drinking and throwing dice at rise of curtain. Orchestra plays 
"Amaryllis" at rise. 
Orleans, (drinking — laughter of Courtiers subdued.) 

Here's to our enterprise ! — 
Barad. Hush, sir! 
Orleans, (aside, having looked round as unconscious ofi 

cause of alarm) Nay, count, 
No house so safe as De Lorme's. 



14 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

Barad. Still, we have a secret, 

Orleans. Well, De Lorme, see 
How the play prospers yonder. 

(De L. goes to the next table L., looks on for a few momenta 
then exit behind arch C.) 

Barad. {producing a parchment) I have now 
All the conditions drawn ; it only needs 
Our signatures : upon receipt of this 
Bouillon will join his army with the Spaniard, 
March on to Paris, — there, dethrone the king; 
You will be regent; I, and ye, my lords. 
Form the new council. So much for the core 
Of our great scheme. 

Orleans, {rises and comes down disturbed, all at table follow 
him) But Richelieu is an Argus; 
One of his hundred eyes will light upon us, 
And then — good-bye to life. 

Barad. To gain the prize 
We must destroy the Argus : — ay, my lords, 
The scroll the core, but Richelieu's blood the veins 
Of our design ; — while this despatched to Bouillon, 
Richelieu despatched to Heaven ! — The last my charge 
Meet here to-morrow night. You, sir, as first 
In honor and in hope, meanwhile select 
Some trusty knave to bear the scroll to Bouillon ; 
'Midst Richelieu's foes /'// find some desperate hand 
To strike for vengeance, while we stride to power. 

Orleans. So be it; — to-morrow, midnight. Come, my lords. 

(Orleans crosses to right corner opposite entrance and pre- 
vious to his exit R. I., with his followers, he receives the saluta- 
tions of the gentlemen at the table L, who rise, step forward, 
doff their hats and bow profoundly. After Orleans' exit, the 
others resume their seats and play.) 

De Berin. Double the stakes. 

De Mau. Done. 

De Berin. Bravo; faith, it shames me 
To bleed a purse at the last gasp already. 

De Mau. Nay, as you've had the patient to yourself 
So long, no other doctor should despatch it. 

(De Mauprat throws and loses) 



richelieu ; or, the conspiracy. 15 

Clerm ^ 

and V Lost! Ha, ha, — poor De Mauprat! 
Omnes, j 

De Berin. One throw more? 

De Mau, No, I am bankrupt (pushing gold) There goes 
all — except 
My honor and my sword (they rise, Mauprat comes c.) 





Ve Mau. 






Gent. 


Bar. 





De Ser. 




O 


O 







aer. 
O 





Clerm. Ay, take the sword 
To Cardinal Richelieu — he gives gold for steel : 
When worn by brave men. 

De Mau. Richelieu! (x'j to R. corner) 

De Berin. (to Baradas) At that name 
He changes color, bites his nether lip. 
Ev'n in his brightest moments whisper "Richelieu," 
And you cloud all his sunshine. 

Barad. I have mark'd it, 
And I will learn the wherefore. 

De Mau. (going to table, r.) The Egyptian 
Dissolved her richest jewel in a draught; 
Would I could so melt Time and all its treasures, 
And drain it thus (drinking) 

De Berin. (taking his cloak and hat) Come, gentlemen, 
what say ye, 
A walk on the Parade? 

Clerm. (l. c.) Ay; come, De Mauprat. 

De Mau. Pardon me; we shall meet again ere night-fall, 

De Berin, ") 

and V Come, Baradas. 

Omnes. j 

Barad. I'll stay and comfort Mauprat 



l6 RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

De Eerin. Comfort! — when 
We gallant fellows have run out a friend 
Here's nothing left — except to run him through ! 
Here's the last act of friendship. 

De Mau. Let me keep 
That favor in reserve ; in all beside 
Your most obedient servant. 

(Bowing low with head uncovered together with gentUmem 
who exeunt L. I.) 

Barad. (l.) You have lost — 
Yet are not sad. 

De Mau. (r.) Sad! — Life and gold have wings 
And must fly one day; — open, then, their cages 
And wish them merry. 

Barad. You're a strange enigma : — 
Fiery in war, — and yet to glory lukewarm; — 
All mirth in action — in repose all gloom — 
Confide in me, we have known each other long. 
Fortune of late has serv'd us, and led 
Me to the rank of Courtier, Count, and Favorite — 
You to the titles of the wildest gallant 
And bravest knight in France ; — are you content ? 
No; — trust in me — some gloomy secret 

De Mau. (throws himself into chair r.) Ay: — 
A secret that doth haunt me, as, of old, 
Men were possess'd of fiends ! (rises) Where'er I turn, 
The grave yawns dark before me! (x's l.) I tvill trust you;— 
Hating the Cardinal, and beguiled by Orleans, 
You know I join'd the Languedoc revolt — 
Was captured, — sent to the Bastille 

Barad. But shared 
The general pardon which the Duke of Orleans 
Won for himself and all in the revolt. 
Who but obey'd his orders. 

De Mau. Note the phrase, 
"Obey'd his orders!" Well, when on my way 
To join the duke in Languedoc, I (then 
The down upon my lip — less man than boy) 
Leading young valors — reckless as myself. 
Seized on the town of Faviaux, and displaced 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 17 

T»ie royal banners for the rebel. Orleans, 
(Never too daring,) when I reach'd the camp, 
Blamed me for acting, — mark, — without his orders ; 
Upon this quibble Richelieu razed my name 
Out of the general pardon. 

Barad. Yet released you 
From the Bastille 

De Mau. To call me to his presence, 
And thus address me : — "You have seized a town 
Of France without the orders of your leader, 
And for this treason, but one sentence — Death." 

Barad. Death ! 

De Mau. "I have pity on your youth and birth, 
Nor wish to glut the headsman; — join your troop, 
Now on the march against the Spaniards ; — change 
The traitor's scaffold for the soldier's grave : — 
Your memory's stainless — they who shared your crime 
Exil'd or dead, — your king shall never learn it." 

Barad. O tender pity! 
Well? 

De Mau. You have heard if I fought bravely. 
When the Cardinal 

Review'd the troops — his eyes met mine ; — he frown'd, 
Summon'd me forth — "How's this?" quoth he; "you have shunn'd 
The sword — beware the axe ! — 'twill fall one day !" 
He left me thus — we were recall'd to Paris, 
And — you know all ! 

Barad. And, knowing this, why halt you, 
Spell'd by the rattle-snake — while in the breasts 
Of your firm friends beat hearts, that vow the death 
Of your grim tyrant ? — Wake ! — Be one of us, 
The time invites — the king detests the Cardinal, 
Dares not disgrace, — but groans to be deliver'd 
Of that too great a subject — join your friends. 
Free France, and save yourself. 

De Mau. Hush ! Richelieu bears 
A charmed life : — to all, who have braved his power, 
One common end — the block. 
Better the victim, count, 
Than the assassin — France requires a Richelieu 



i8 KicHELii:u ; or, the conspiracy. 

But does not need a Mauprat. Truce to this ; — 

All time one midnight, where my thoughts are spectres. 

What to me fame? — What love? — (x's R.) 

Barad. Yet dost thou love not? 

(Advances near De Mau. and sf'eaks in his ear.) 

De Mau, Love? — I am young 

Barad. And Julie fair. Ha! (aside) It is so. 
Upon the margin of the grave — his hand 
Would pluck the rose that / would win and wear! 

De Mau. Since you have one secret keep the other. 
Never unbury either ! — Come, while yet we may 
We'll bask us in the noon of rosy life : — 
Lounge through the gardens, — flaunt it in the taverns, — 
Laugh — game — drink — feast: — If so confined my days, 
Faith, I'll enclose the nights. — Pshaw! not so grave; 
I'm a true Frenchman! — Vive la bagatelle! 

(Crosses back to center and hold picture. Enter Huguet and 
three arquebusiers from L. i.) 




Huguet. Messire De Mauprat— I arrest you!— Follow 
To the Lord Cardinal. 

De Mau. You see, my friend, 
I'm out of my suspense. — The tiger's play'd 
Long enough with his prey. (Mauprat gives his sword) 

Farewell ! — Hereafter 
Say, when men name me, "Adrien de Mauprat 
Lived without hope, and perished without fear!" 

(Exeunt De Mauprat, Huguet, &c., through l. i.) 

(Baradas crosses and looks off l. after them.) 

Barad. Farewell ! — I trust for ever ! I design'd thee 
For Richelieu's murderer — but, as well his martyr! 
In childhood you the stronger, and — I cursed you ; 



I RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 19 

In youth the fairer — and I cursed you still ; 
And you would rival me with Julie! — Loved 
So wildly, that my love has grown the bone 
And nerve of my ambition ! 

(crosses to r. i. entrance.)] 
By the king's 

Aid I will marry Julie, in despite 
Of my Lord Cardinal. — By the king's aid 
I will be minister of France — in spite 
Of my Lord Cardinal ; — and then — what then ? 
The king loves Julie — feeble prince — false master — 

(producing and gazing on the parchment. 
Then, by the aid of Bouillon and the Spaniard, 
I will dethrone the king, and all — ha ! — ha ! — 
All, in despite of my Lord Cardinal. 

I Exit R. I. 

! . (Lights out. Dark change — clear the 

stage *Plaint4ve music for change.) 



SCENE II. 

Scene TI. — A handsome room in the Cardinal's palace, boxed 
back of 1st entrance. Doors in flat r. & L. Door opening 
into R. 4th entrance, also door opening into l. 4. Large window 
to floor, practicable, opening on l. 2. Large fireplace with 
fire, fender, etc., at r. 2. Pictures and busts arranged artistic- 
ally around the room — Crossed swords and guns hanging on 
flats. Tzvo covered tables R. & l. containing bell, books, manu- 
script, ink and quills. Six antique high-backed chairs, two 
at each table, the others up stage. Large clock standing up in 
left corner. — Bookcase in right corner. A panoply, a small 
sword and a large two-handed sivord arranged up center near 
flat. Several banners. A velvet footstool. Rugs or skins on 
floor. High folding screen back of table R. Antique lamp 
and candelabrum on tables. Desk and chair down left as in 

I diagram. 



aO RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 








Chair I 
Desk 



Enter Richelieu leaning upon Joseph l. door in flat. 

They slowly come down center. Joseph remains standing u. 

center, Richelieu seats himself in chair l. of R. table. The 

music which began at the change of scene stops when the 

Cardinal is seated. 

RiCHE. And so you think this new conspiracy 
The craftiest trap yet laid for the old fox? — 
Fox! — Well, I like the nickname! What did Plutarch 
Say of the Greek Lysander? 

Joseph. I forget. 

RiCHE. That where the lion's skin fell short, he eked it 
Out with the fox's. A great statesman, Joseph, 
That same Lysander. 

Joseph. Orleans heads the traitors. 

RiCHE. A very wooden head, then ! Well ? 

Joseph. The favorite. 
Count Baradas 

RiCHE. A weed of hasty growth; 
First gentleman of the chamber — titles, lands, 
And the king's ear! — It cost me six long winters 
To mount as high, as in six little moons 
This painted lizard — But I hold the ladder, 
And when I shake — he falls! What more? 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. SIX 

Joseph. A scheme 
To make your orphan-ward an instrument 
To aid your foes. Your ward has charm'd the king. 

RiCHE. Out on you ! 
Have I not, one by one, from such fair shoots 
Pluck'd the insidious ivy of his love? 
And shall it creep around my blossoming tree 
Where innocent thoughts, like happy birds, make music 
That spirits in Heaven might hear? The king must have 
No mistress but the State : — the State — that's Richelieu I 

Joseph. This is not the worst ; — Louis, in all decorous, 
And deeming you her least compliant guardian, 
Would veil his suit by marriage with his minion 
Your prosperous foe. Count Baradas. 

RiCHE. Ha! ha! 
I have another bride for Baradas 1 

Joseph. You, my lord? 

RiCHE. Ay — more faithful than the love 
Of fickle woman : — when the head lies lowliest. 
Clasping him fondest; — sorrow never knew 
So sure a soother. 

(Enter Francois, l.) 

pRANg. Roland de Mortemar. 

Riche. Most opportune — admit him. 

{Exit Francois, l. u. e.) 
In my closet 
You'll find a rosary, Joseph ; ere you tell 
Three hundred beads, I'll summon you. Stay, Joseph, 
I did omit an Ave in my matins — 
A grievous fault ; — atone it for me, Joseph : 
There is a scourge within ; I am weak, you strong, 
It were but charity to take my sin 
On such broad shoulders. 

Joseph, (going up r. c.) I! guilty of such criminal pre- 
sumption 
As to mistake myself for you. — No, never! 
Think it not. — (aside) Troth, a pleasant invitation! 

(Exit Joseph at door r. u. e.) 
(Enter Roland de Mortemar l. u. b.) 

Riche. That's my young Roland! 



22 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

RoL. (kneeling at his feet) Cardinal, are you gracious, 
May I say "Father?" 

RiCHE. Now and ever! 

RoL. (sits on footstool R. of Cardinal) Father ! 
A sweet word to an orphan. 

RiCHE. No; not an orphan 
While Richelieu lives; thy father loved me well; 
My friend, ere I had flatterers (now, I am great, 
In other phrase, I'm friendless) — he died young 
In years, not service, and bequeath'd thee to me; 
Drooping ? — sighs ? — 
Art thou not happy at the court ? 

RoL. Not often. 

RiCHE. Thou art admired — art young; 
Does not his majesty commend thy talents — 
Ask thee to sing to him? 

RoL. He's very tiresome, 
Our worthy king. 

RiCHE. Fie ; kings are never tiresome, 
Save to their ministers. What courtly gallants 
Honor thee the most? Cinq Mars, De Sourdiac, or 
The favorite Baradas? 

RoL. A smileless man 
I fear and shun him. 

RiCHE. Yet he seeks thee for thy sister. 

RoL. Then 
He is more tiresome than his majesty. 

RiCHE. Right, boy, shun Baradas. 

(Enter Huguet l. u, e.) 

HuGUET. The Chevalier 
De Mauprat waits below. 

RoL. (starting up) De Mauprat! 

RiCHE. Hem ! 
He has been tiresome, too. — Anon. 

(Exit HUGUET, L. u. E.) 

RoL. (l.) Know you Messire de Mauprat? 

RiCHE. Well ! — and you — 
Has he address'd you often? 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY, 23 

RoL. Often! No,— 
The Court sees him rarely. 

RiCHE. A bold and forward royster? 

RoL. He? — nay, modest, 
Gentle, and sad methinks. 

RiCHE. Wears gold and azure? 

RoL. No; sable. 

Ric?iE. So you note his colors, Roland? 
Shame on you, child, look loftier. By the mass 
I have business with this modest gentleman. 

RoL. You're angry with poor Roland. There's no cause. 

RiCHE. No cause — you hate my foes? 

RoL. I do ! 

RiCHE. Hate Mauprat! 

RoL. Not Mauprat. No, not Adrien, father? 

RiCHE. Adieu ! But listen. 
Go summon my ward, your sister Julie, 
And bid her wait for me in yonder 
Tapestry chamber. Do not forget 
And bid her there at once. 

RoL. Come, (kneels) 
Smile on me — one smile more ; there, now I'm happy. 
Do not rank De Mauprat with your foes; he is not, 
I know he is not, he loves France too well. 

RiCHE. Not rank De Mauprat with my foes? So be it. 
I'll blot him from that list. 

RoL. (kisses his hand.) That's my own father. 

(Exit Roland r. i. e.) 

RiCHE. (rings a small bell on the table) Huguet! 

(Enter Huguet, l. u. e.) 
De Mauprat struggled not, nor murmur'd? 

Huguet. No; proud and passive. 

RiCHE. Bid him enter.— Hold : 
Look that he hide no weapon. Humph, despair 
Makes victims sometimes victors. When he has enter'd 
Glide round unseen; — place thyself yonder (points to the screen) 
watch him. 



24 KICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIKACY. 

If he shows violence — let me see thy carbine; 

(Hand Richelieu the carbine holding it horizontally. Be quick 
and sure to catch it when he throws it.) 
So, a good weapon;) — if he play the lion, 
Why — the dog's death. 

HuGUET. I never miss my mark. 

{Exit HuGUET, L. U. B^ 

and returns immediately preceding De Mauprat. Huguet quietly 
retires behind screen. De Mauprat proceeds down center — 
Richelieu arranging his papers.) 

RiCHE. Approach, sir. — Can you call to mind the hour, 
Now three years since, when in this room, methinks. 
Your presence honor'd me? 

De Mau. It is, my lord. 
One of my most 

RiCHE. (drily) Delightful recollections. 

De Mau. (aside) St. Denis! doth he make a jest of axe 
And headsman? 

RiCHE. (sternly) I did then accord you 
A mercy ill requited — you still live? 

De Mau. To meet death face to face at last. 

RiCHE. Adrien de Mauprat. 
Doom'd to sure death, how hast thou since consumed 
The time allotted thee for serious thought 
And solemn penitence? 

De Mau. (embarrassed) The time, my lord? 

RiCHE. Is not the question plain? I'll answer for thee. 
Thou hast sought nor priest nor shrine; no sackcloth chafed 
Thy delicate flesh. The rosary and the death's head 
Have not, with pious meditation, purged 
Earth from the carnal gaze. What thou hast not done 
Brief told; what done, a volume! Wild debauch, 
Turbulent riot : — for the morn the dice-box — 
Noon claim'd the duel — and the night the wassail; 
These, your most holy, pure preparatives 
For death and judgment. Do I wrong you, sir? 

(De Mauprat holds the center of the stage, slightly back of 
Richelieu.) 

De Mau. My lord, I was not always thus; — if chang*!! 
my nature. 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 2$ 

Blame that which chang'd my fate. 

Were you accursed with that which you inflicted — night and day 

By bed and board, dogg'd by one ghastly spectre — 

The while within you youth beat high, and life 

Grew lovelier from the neighboring frown of death — 

Were this your fate, perchance, 

You would have err'd like me ! 

RiCHE. I might, like you, 
Have been a brawler and a reveller; — not, 
Like you, a trickster and a thief. — 

{De Mauprat advances quickly down and threateningly to left 
of Richelieu, at the same moment Huguet coming quickly from he- 
hind the screen — levels gun at him across the table. — ) 

De Mau. Lord Cardinal ! — 
Unsay those words ! 

{Hold the picture for a few seconds.) 




{Richelieu strikes the gun upivard gently with his pen. De 
Mauprat passes to l. center, dozvn stage.) 

RiCHE. Not quite so quick, friend Huguet; 
Messire de Mauprat is a patient man, 
And he can wait!— (Huguet retires again) 

You have outrun your fortune; — 
I blame you not, that you would be a beggar — 
Each to his taste !— But I do charge you, sir. 
That, being beggar'd, you would coin false monies 
Out of that crucible, called debt. — To live 
On means not yours — be brave in silks and laces, 
Gallant in steeds — splendid in banquets ; — all 
Not yours — ungiven — unherited — unpaid for; — 
This is to be a trickster; and to filch 



35 Richelieu; or, the conspiracy. 

Men's art and labor, which to them is wealth, 

Life, daily bread — quitting all scores with — "Friend, 

You're troublesome !" — Why this, forgive me. 

Is what, when done with a less dainty grace, 

Plain folks call "Theft!" You owe eight thousand pistoles, 

Minus one crown, two liards. — 

De Mau. (aside) The old conjuror! — 

RiCHE. This is scandalous. 
Shaming your birth and blood. — I tell you, sir, 
That you must pay your debts. — 

(Striking table three times with fingers.^ 

De Mau. With all my heart, 
My lord. — Where shall I borrow, then, the money? 

Riche. (aside, and laughing) A humorous dare-devil ! 
— The very man 
To suit my purpose — ready, frank, and bold! (earnestly) 

(Rises and goes r. — stands in front of fireplace, warming 
hands. ) 

Adrien de Mauprat, men have called me cruel ; — 
I am not; — I am just! — I found France rent asunder — 
The rich men despots, and the poor banditti ; — 
Sloth in the mart, and schism within the temple, 
Brawls festering to rebellion ; and weak laws 
Rotting away with rust in antique sheaths — 
I have re-created France ; and, from the ashes 
Of the old feudal and decrepit carcass, 
Civilization on her luminous wings 
Soars, Phoenix-like, to Jove! — What was my art? 
Genius, some say — some Fortune — Witchcraft some. 
Not so; — my art was JUSTICE! Force and Fraud 
Misname it cruelty — ^you shall confute them ! 

(Walk slowly toward center offering hand to De Mauprat.) 
My champion you ! You met me as your foe, 
Depart my friend. (Mauprat takes his proffered hand) 

You shall not die. — France needs you. 
You shall wipe oflf all stains — be rich, be honor'd, j 

Be great — (De Mauprat falls on his knee.) * 

I ask, sir, in return this hand. 
To gift it with a bride (Mauprat rises) whose dower shall match p 
Yet not exceed, her beauty. I 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACV. 27 

De Mau. (hesitating) I, my lord, 
have no wish to marry — 

RiCHE. Surely, sir, 
'o die were worse? 

De Mau. Scarcely; the poorest coward 
lust die, — but knowingly to march to marriage — 
ly lord, it asks the courage of a lion ! 

RiCHE. Traitor, thou triflest with me! — I know all.' 
"hou hast dared to love my ward — my charge. 

(RiCHE walks up to chair l. of table r.) 
De Mau. As rivers 
lay love the sunlight — basking in the beams, 
.nd hurrying on ! — 
RiCHE. Thou hast told her of thy love? 
De Mau. My lord, if I had dared to love a maid, 
owliest in France, I would not so have wrong'd her 
s bid her link rich life and virgin hope 
/ith one, the deathman's gripe might, from her side 
luck at the nuptial altar. 

RiCHE. (sits) I do believe thee; 
et since she knows not of thy love, renounce her; — 
ake life and fortune with another ! — Silent ? 
j De Mau. Your fate has been one triumph. — You know not 
I ow bless'd a thing it was in my dark hour 
,0 nurse the one sweet thought you bid me banish, 
ove hath no need of words ; — nor less within 
hat holiest temple — the heaven-builded soul — 
reathes the recorded vow. — Base knight — false lover 
'ere he, who barter'd all, that soothed in grief 
r sanctified despair, for life and gold, 
evoke your mercy; — I prefer the fate 
look'd for! 

(De Mauprat takes four or five steps toward the left corner, 
aintainittg a haughty carriage. 
RiCHE. Huguet 
: (Huguet comes down r. of table R. and stands facing front 
rrying gun.) 

To the tapestry chamber 
mduct your prisoner, (to Mauprat) You will there behold 
le executioner : — your doom be private — 



28 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

And Heaven have mercy on you. — 

De Mau. (x'j r.) When I'm dead, 
Tell her, I loved her. 

RiCHE. Keep such follies, sir, 
For fitter ears; — Go 

De Mau. Does he mock me? 

(Exeunt Huguet and De Mauprat, r. i. e.) 

(Richelieu at their departure bursts into a laugh — immediately 
Huguet returns, standing R. of table as if to communicate some- 
thing — Richelieu quickly and angrily strikes the table and Huguet 
hastily leaves R. i.) 

RiCHE. Joseph, 
Come forth. 
(Enter Joseph, r. u. e. — he comes down l. having crossed behind.) 

Methinks your cheek hath lost its rubies; 
I fear you have been too lavish of the flesh : 
The scourge is heavy. 

Joseph. Pray you, change the subject. 

RiCHE. You good men are so modest ! — Well, to business ! 
Go instantly — deeds — notaries ! — Bid my stewards 
Arrange my house by the Luxembourg — my house 
No more ! — a bridal present to my ward, Roland's sister 
Who weds to-morrow. 

Joseph. Weds, with whom? 

RiCHE. De Mauprat. 

Joseph. Penniless husband ! 

RiCHE. Bah ! the mate for beauty 
Should be a man, and not a money chest! 
When her brave sire lay on his bed of death, 

I vow'd to be a father to his Julie; 

And so he died — the smile upon his lips! — (rises) 

Look you, in all the court — who else so well, 

Brave, or suppliant the favorite; — balk the king — 

Baffle their schemes? — I have tried him: — He lias honor 

And courage; — qualities that eagle-plume 

Men's souls — and fit them for the fiercest sun, 

That ever melted the weak waxen minds 

That flutter in the beams of gaudy Power ! 

Besides, he has taste, this Mauprat : — When my play 

Was acted to dull tiers of lifeless gapers. 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 29 

ho had no soul for poetry, I saw him 
)plaud in the proper places : trust me, Joseph, 
; is a man of an uncommon promise! 
' Joseph. And yet your foe. 
RiCHE. Have I not foes enow? — 
eat men gain doubly when they make foes friends. 
:member my grand maxims : — First employ 
1 methods to conciliate. 
Joseph. Failing these? 

RiCHE. (fiercely) All means to crush: as with the opening, and 
le clenching of this little hand, I will 
ush the small venom of these stinging courtiers. 
Joseph. And when 
eck the conspiracy? 

RiCHE. Check, check? Full way to it, 
t it bud, ripen, flaunt i' the day, and burst 
t fruit, — the Dead Sea's fruit, of ashes; ashes 
hich I will scatter to the winds, (sits) Go, Joseph; 
hen you return, I have a feast for you; 
,ie last great act of my great play. 

(Takes mamiscript and quill from table — Appears to scan the 
''ses by touching his finger tips.) 

The verses, 
^thinks, are fine, — ah, very fine.* 
Joseph, (aside) Worse than the scourge! Strange that so 

great a statesman 
ould be so bad a poet. 
RiCHE. What dost thou say? 

Joseph. That it is strange so great a statesman should 
so sublime a poet. 

(When speaking the xvord "Sublime" Joseph bows very low 
the Cardinal.) 
RiCHE. Ah, you rogue; 
ws die. Books never. Of my ministry 
im not vain ! but of my muse, I own it. 
me, you shall hear the verses now. 

(Takes up a MS.) 
Joseph. My lord, 
.e deeds, the notaries ! 

* (Plaintive music begins and continues till curtain.) 



30 KICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIKACY. 

RiCHE. True, I pity you ; 
But business first, then pleasure. 

(Exit Joseph, r. d, f.) 

RiCHE. (seats himself and reading) Ah, sublime! 

(Enter r. i. De Mauprat and Roland hand in hand, Roland 
being on the outside. They kneel before Richelieu, who is seated. 

De Mau. Oh, speak my lord — I dare not think you mock me, 
And yet 

RoL. Are we not both your children? 

RiCHE. Eh ! 
How now ! Oh, sir — you live ! 

De Mau. Why, no, methinks, 
Elysium is not life ! 

RoL. He smiles ! — you smile, 
My father ! From my heart for ever, now, 
I'll blot the name of orphan. 

RiCHE. Rise, my children. 

(All rise — Riche. lays down manuscript and takes the center 
of the stage.) 




De Mau. I'll seek 
Temple and priest henceforward ; — were it but 
To learn Heaven's choicest blessings. 

RiCHE. Thou shalt seek 
Temple and priest right soon ; the morrow's sun 
Shall see across these barren thresholds pass 
The fairest bride in Paris. — Go, my children ; 

(Takes De Mauprat a few steps down stage and strikes him 
gently on breast whilst speaking the two following lines.) 
How is it with you, sir? You bear it bravely; 
You know, it asks the courage of a lion. 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 31 

(Exeunt De Mauprat and Roland laughing.) 
(Hold the center on the follozving speech till curtain — Speak 
j very impressively.) 

Oh! godlike Power! woe, rapture, penury, wealth, — 
I Marriage and death, for one infirm old man 
i Through a great empire to dispense — withhold — 
i As the will whispers ! And shall things — like motes 

That live in my daylight — lackies of court wages, 
j Dwarf'd starvelings — mannikins, upon whose shoulders 

The burthen of a province were a load 

More heavy than the globe on Atlas — cast 

Lots for my robes and sceptre ? France ! I love thee ! 

All earth shall never pluck thee from my heart ! 

My mistress France — my wedded wife, — sweet France, 
[Who shall proclaim divorce for thee and me ! 

END OF ACT FIRST. 



32 RICHELIEU ; OR, THK CONSPIRACY. 

ACT II. 
Second Day. 

* Music at rise. Lights up full. 
Scene I. — Interior drop or flat in i. representing a handsome 

room in De Mauprat's new home. Doors R. and l. The first 
entrances only are to be used. 

(Enter Baradas, l. i.) 

Barad. Mauprat's new home ; What the' 
Thou hast 'scaped the fierce caprice of Richelieu ; 
Yet art thou farther from the headsman, fool? 
Thy secret I have whisper'd to the king; — 
Thy marriage makes the king thy foe. — Thou stand'st 
On the abyss — and in the pool below 
I see a ghastly, headless phantom mirror'd ; — 
Thy likeness ere the marriage moon hath waned. 
Meanwhile — meanwhile — ha — ha, though thou art wedded 
Thou art not wived. 

(Enter De Mauprat, in wedding costume, r. i., — hurriedly 
crosses to left, then back to R. c. — Speaking during the crosses.) 

De Mau. Was ever fate like mine? 
So blest, and yet so wretched. 

Barad. Joy, de Mauprat! — 
(Advancing toward De Mauprat.) 
Why, what a brow, man, for your wedding day I 

De Mau. You know what chanced between 
The Cardinal and myself? 

Barad. This morning brought 
Your letter — faith, a strange account ! I laugh'd 
And wept at once for gladness. 

De Mau. We were wed 
At noon; the rite perform'd, came hither — scarce 
Arrived, when 

Barad. Well ? j 

De Mau. Wide flew the doors, and lo, I 

Messire de Beringhen, and this epistle ! 

(Hands document to Baraoas.) I 

Barad. 'Tis the king's hand ! — ^The royal seal ! 

De Mau. Read — read! 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 33 

Barad. (reading) "Whereas Adrien de Mauprat, colonel and 
:hevalier in our armies, being already guilty of high treason, has 
,!iresunied, without our knowledge or consent, to connect himself 
ly marriage with Julie de Mortemar, a wealthy orphan attached 
to the person of Her Majesty, we do hereby proclaim and declare 
:he said marriage contrary to law. On penalty of death, Adrien 
ie Mauprat will not communicate with the said Julie de Morte- 
mar by word or letter — Given under our hand and seal at the 
Louvre. — Louis." 

Barad. Amazement! — Did not Richelieu say the king 
Knew not your crime? 

De Mau. He said so. 

Bar.\d. Poor de Mauprat! — 
See you the snare, the vengeance worse than death 
Of which you are the victim? 

De Mau. Ha! 

Barad. (aside) It works! 

De Mau. Snares! Vengeance! Man, 
Be plainer. 

Barad. What so clear? 
Richelieu has but two passions 

De Mau. Richelieu ! 

Barad. Yes ! 
Ambition and revenge, in you both blended. 
First for ambition, — Julie is his ward, 
Innocent — docile — pliant to his will — 
He placed her at the court — foresaw the rest — 
The king loves Julie ! 

De Mau. Merciful Heaven! The king! 

Barad. Such Cupids lend new plumes to Richelieu's wings: 

De Mau. I see it all ! Mock pardon — hurried nuptials — 
False bounty — all ! — the serpent of that smile I 
Oh! it stings home, (x's to L.) 

Barad. You yet shall crush his malice; 
Our plans are sure : — Orleans is at our head, 
We meet to-night; join us, and with us triumph. 

De Mau. To-night f — Oh, Heaven! 
But the king? but Julie? 

Barad. The king, infirm in health, in mind more feeble, 
Is but the plaything of a Minister's will. 



34 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

Were Richelieu dead — his power were mine; and Louis 
Soon shall forget his passion and your crime. 

(Mauprat is going u i.) 
But whither now? 

De Mau. I know not; I scarce hear thee; 
A little while for thought: anon I'll join thee; 
But now, all air seems tainted, and I loathe 
The face of man. 

{Exit De Mauprat, l. i.) 

Barad. Go where thou wilt, the hell hounds of revenge 
Pant in thy track and dog thee down. 
(Enter De Beringhen, r. door, his mouth full, 

a napkin in his hand.) 

De Berin. O chevalier 
Your cook's a miracle — what, my host gone? 
Faith, count, my office is a post of danger — 
A fiery fellow, Mauprat! — touch and go- 
Match and saltpetre, — pr — r — r — r — ! 

Barad. You 
Will be released ere long. The king resolves 
To call the bride to court this day, 
And even now the royal carriage waits. 

De Berin. Poor Mauprat! 
Is Louis still so chafed against the fox. 
For snatching yon fair dainty from the lion. 

Barad. So chafed, that Richelieu totters. Yes, the king. 
Is half conspirator against the Cardinal. 
Enough of this. I've found the man we wanted, — 
The man to head the hands that murder Richelieu— 
The man, whose name the synonym for daring. 

De Berin. He must mean me! 
You mean 

Barad. Whom can I mean 
But Mauprat? — Mark, to-night we meet at De Lorme's, 
There shall we sign : — thence send this scroll (showing it) 

to Bouillon. 
You're in that secret (affectionately) one of our new Council. 

De Berin. Ah ! ah ! But to admit the Spaniard — 
France's foe — 
Into the heart of France — dethrone the king — 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 35 

t looks like treason, and I smell the headsman. 

Barad. Too late to falter. Of this despatch Mauprat 
lust nothing learn. He only bites at vengeance, 
ind he would start from treason. — We must post him 
Vithout the door at De Lorme's — as a sentry 
aside) So, when his head is on the block — his tongue— 
lannot betray our more august designs ! 

De Berin. I'll meet you, if the king can spare me. 
j (aside) No! 

am too old a goose to play with foxes, 
'11 roost at home. Meanwhile, in the next room 
"here's a delicious pate, let's discuss it. 

Barad. Pshaw ! a man filled with a sublime ambition 
las no time to discuss your pates. 

De Berin. Pshaw! 
^nd a man fill'd with as sublime a pate 
las no time to discuss ambition. — Gad, 
have the best of it. 

(Enter Clermont, r.) 

Clerm. (to De Beringhen) Messire, 
The royal carriage waits below 

De Berin. (hesitating) One moment, just to « 

Clerm. Come, sir. 

De Berin. I shall not 
Discuss the pate after all. 
Exeunt Clermont and De Beringhen, p. i., 

Baradas holds the center of the stage.} 

Barad. Now will this fire his fever into madness ! 
Ul is made clear: Mauprat must murder Richelieu — 
Xit for that crime; — I shall console his Julie — 
rhis will reach Bouillon ! — from the wrecks of France 

shall carve out, — who knows, — perchance a throne! 
Ul in despite of my lord Cardinal. — 
De Mauprat hastily enters from l. i., taking position 

at L. c, whilst Baradas moves to R. c.) 

De Mau. Speak ! can it be ? — Methought, that from the terrace 
saw the carriage of the king — and Julie ! 
'Jo, — no, — my frenzy peoples the void air 
Vith its own phantoms ! 

Barad. (r.) Nay, too true. Alas, 



36 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

Was ever lightning swifter or more blasting 
Than Richelieu's forked guile? 

De Mau. I'll to the Louvre 

Barad. And lose all hope ! — The Louvre ! — ^the sure gate 
To the Bastille ! 

De Mau. The king 

Barad. Is but the wax, 
Which Richelieu stamps! Break the malignant seal 
And I will rase the print. 

De Mau. Ghastly vengeance! 

(Draw sword from scabbard and holds it up in front of face.} 
To thee and thine august and solemn sister 
The unrelenting Death, I dedicate 
The blood of Armand Richelieu. When dishonor 
Reaches our hearths law dies, and Murder takes 
The angel shape of justice. ' 

(Take the r. corner and sheathe sword.}] 

Barad. Bravely said! 
At midnight — De Lorme — Nay, I cannot leave thee '; 

To thoughts that 

De Mau. Speak not to me ! — I am yours ! — 
But speak not. There's a voice within my soul 
Whose cry could drown the thunder ! — Oh, if men 
Will play dark sorcery with the heart of man. 
Let them, who raise the spell, beware the fiend! 

(Exeunt r. l.) 
[(Dark change — *music to continue until lights are up on Scene II.} 

SCENE II. 

Scene II. — This set is the same used in Act I, Scene II. Richelieu 
is discovered seated l. of table r. — loseph standing center 
down stage — Frangois seated writing at desk down l. Lighti 
well up. 

Joseph. Yes, — Huguet taking his accustom'd round, — 
Disguised as some plain craftsman, heard these rufflers 
Quoting your name: — he listen'd. — "Pshaw!" said one, 
"We are to seize the Cardinal in his palace 
To-morrow!" — "How?" the other ask'd. — "You'll hear 
The whole design to-night; the Duke of Orleans 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 37 

A.nd Baradas have got the map of action 

\.t their fingers' end." — "So be it," quoth the other, 

'I will be there, at midnight, de Lorme's." 

RiCHE. I have them, man, I have them! 

Joseph. So they say 
3f you, my lord : — believe me, that their plans 
\re mightier than you deem. You must employ 
VIeans no less vast to meet them. 

RiCHE. Bah! in policy 
A^'e foil gigantic danger, not by giants, 
3ut dwarfs. — The statues of our stately fortune 
\re sculptured by the chisel — not the axe ! — 
[RiCHE. rises and comes forward about two steps — 

pRANgois takes u corner.} 











1 


FOcke. 


Josr*k 




I 






O 


O 


Franfait 

o 


^~~~--~^_^ 






^ ' ' 



Hh ! were I younger—by the knightly heart 
That beats beneath these priestly robes, I would 
lave pastime with these cut-throats! — Yea, — as when, 
^ured to the ambush of the expecting foe, — 
clove my pathway through the plumed sea! 
leach me yon falchion, Francois, — 

(pRANgois goes up to panoply and fetches a rapier.) 
Not that bauble 
'br carpet-warriors, — yonder — such a blade 
Vs old Charles Martel might have wielded when 
ie drove the Saracen from France. 

(Francois drags down the large two-handed sword which 
UCHE. takes from him with both hands.) 



38 RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 



Riche. 
O Franfois 



O 



Joseph 
O 



Ah, boy, with this 

I, at Rochelle, did hand to hand engage 

The stalwart Englisher, — no mongrels, boy. 

Those island mastiffs — mark the notch — a deep one, 

His casque made here, — I shore him to the waist ! 

{tries to wield, and lets the blade fall. 

He sinks back into chair entirely exhausted — coughs violently 
for some seconds — Joseph and pRANgois bend forward toward 
him, being very solicitous about his condition. Riche. speaks the 
following two lines quite feebly.) 
A toy — a feather — then ! 
You see a child could slay Richelieu now. 

(pRANgois picks up the sword.) 

pRANg. (his hand on his hilt) But now, at your command 
Are other weapons, my good lord. j 

Riche. (as if about to write, lifts the pen) True, this 
Beneath the rule of men entirely great 
The pen is Mightier than the Sword. Behold 
The arch-enchanter's wand! — itself a nothing, — 
But taking sorcery from the master-hand 
To paralyse the Caesars — and to strike 
The loud earth breathless ! — Take away the sword, 1 

States can be saved without it! (pRANgois puts back the sword^ 

R. 2 E., and returns to his place. Looking on the clock) 

pRANg. 'Tis the hour ! 

Riche. Retire, sir. 

(Exit pRANgois, L. 1. door.) 

{Three distinct knocks are heard off L. 3, Richelieu repeats 
them. Enter De Lorme l. 3, crosses down to r. c. Richelieu 
rises and goes to center.) 

Joseph, (amazed) De Lorme! 

Riche. Hist ! — Joseph, 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 39 

I 

Keep guard, 

(Joseph retires l. i e.) 
My faithful De Lorme 
. De L. (r. of Richelieu) Good, my lord, 
They meet to-night in my poor house. The duke 
Of Orleans heads them. 
1 RiCHE. Yes — go on. 

De L. His highness 
Much question'd if I knew some brave, discreet, 
And vigilant man, whose tongue could keep a secret, 
And who had those twin qualities for service, 
The love of gold, the hate of Richelieu. — 

RiCHE. You ? — 
' De L. Made answer, "Yes, my brother " 

RiCHE. Your brother, 
\ De L. "Bold and trusty," 

"Whose faith, my faith could pledge." — The duke then bade me 
Have him equipp'd and arm'd, well mounted, ready 
jThis night to post for Italy. 
! RiCHE. Aha ! 

'Has Bouillon too turn'd traitor? — So, methought! — 
;What part of Italy? 
I De L. The Piedmont frontier. 
Where Bouillon lies encamp'd. 

RiCHE. Now there is danger, 
Great danger! — If he tamper with the Spaniard, 
And Louis list not to my counsel, as, 
Without sure proof he will not, — France is lost. 
What more? 

De L. (r.) Dark hints of some design to seize 
5four person in your palace. Nothing clear — 
flis highness trembled while he spoke, his words 
Did choke each other ! 
I RiCHE. So ! — Who is the brother 
ifou recommended to the duke? 

De L. Whoever 
jifour eminence, may father! 

I RiCHE. (goes to the table and returns with a hag of gold.) 
There — pshaw — a trifle, 
/ou will engage to give the duke's despatch 



40 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

To whom I send? 

De L. Aye, sir ! 

RicHE. (aside) Huguet? No, 
He will be wanted elsewhere.— Joseph ? — zealous. 
But too well known — too much the elder brother. , 

Mauprat! — alas, it is his wedding day! 
Frangois ? — the man of men ! — unnoted — young. 
Ambitious ! (goes to the door) Franqois ! j 

(Enter Francois l. i. e., De Lorme r., Richelieu c, Franqois i»| 

RicHE. Follow this gentleman 
(Find him suiting garments, De Lorme), take 
My fleetest steed — arm thyself to the teeth ; 
A packet will be given you — with orders. 

No matter what ! — The instant that your hand i 

Closes upon it, — clutch it, like your honor. 
Which death alone can steal, or ravish, — set 
Spurs to your steed — be breathless, till you stand 
Again before me. j 

(Franqois turns up stage.) 
Stay, sir! — You will find me 
Two short leagues hence, yes, at my castle near I 

Ruelle. 

(FsANgois kneels.) 
Do you note me, — from the hour 
I grasp that packet, — think your guardian star 
Rains fortune on you ! 

FRANg. If I fail 

RicHE. Fail — fail ? 
In the lexicon of youth, which Fate reserves 
For a bright manhood, there is no such word 
As fail! (You will instruct him further. 

(De Lorme crosses to door u %:] 
Follow him — but at a distance ; speak not to him. 
Till you are housed. Farewell, boy ! Never say 
Fail again. 

FRANg. I will not ! 

RiCHE. (patting his locks) There's my young hero. 

(Exeunt FRANgois and De Loricb u 3.) 

RiCHE. Joseph ! So they would seize my person in this palace 
— Joseph ? 



KICHELIEU; 08, THE CONSPIRACY. 



41 



t cannot guess their scheme : — but my retinue 
[s here too large ! ,,Mi ; inj 

{Enter Joseph, u i e.) 
A single traitor could 
Strike impotent the faith of thousands; — Joseph, 
Art sure of Huguet? — Think — we hang'd his father? 

iSits L. of table n.) 

Joseph. But you have bought the son; — heap'd favors on 
him! 

RiCHE. Trash ! — favors past — that's nothing. — In his hours 
Of confidence with you, has he named the favors 
To come — he counts on? 

Joseph. Yes: — a colonel's rank, 
And letters of nobility. 
(Here Huguet enters l. as if to address the Cardinal 

who does not perceive him.y 

RiCHE. Colonel and nobleman! 
My bashful Huguet! — ^that can never be! — 
We have him not the less — we'll promise it! 
And see the king withholds ! — Ah, kings are oft 
A great convenience to a minister ! 
Yes — we'll count on Huguet. 
I Huguet. {aside) To thy cost, deceiver. 
; {Exit Huguet» l. u. door.} 

Riche. You are right, this treason 
Assumes a fearful aspect ; — but once crush'd. 
Its very ashes shall manure the soil 
Df power! and ripen such full sheaves of greatness. 
That all the summer of my fate shall seem 
Fruitless beside the autumn ! 

[Re-enter Huguet and goes down tenteri H€ stands 
i iii /acifi^ Richelieu;) 




42 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

HuGUET. My lord Cardinal, 
Your eminence bade me seek you at this hour. 

RiCHE. Did I? — True, Huguet. — So, you overheard 
Strange talk amongst these gallants? Snares and traps 
For Richelieu ?— Well, we'll balk them ; let me think, — 
The men-at-arms you head — how many? 

Huguet. Twenty, 
My lord. 

RiCHE. All trusty? 

Huguet. Yes, for ordinary 
Occasions — if for great ones, I would change 
Three-fourths at least. 

RiCHE. Ay, what are great occasions? 

Huguet. Great bribes ! 

RiCHE. (to Joseph) Good lack, he knows some paragons 
Superior to great bribes ! Well ? 

Huguet. True gentlemen 
Who have transgress'd the laws — and value life 
And lack not gold; your eminence alone 
Can grant them pardon. Ergo, you can trust them. 

RiCHE. Logic ! — So be it — let this honest twenty 
Be arm'd and mounted. So they meet at midnight, 
The attempt on me to morrow. Ere the dawn be grey 
All could be arm'd, assembled, and at Ruelle 
In my own hall? 

Huguet. By one hour after midnight. 

RiCHE. The castle's strong. 
They do not strike till morning, 
Yet I will shift the quarter. — Bid the grooms 
Prepare the litter — I will to Ruelle 
While daylight lasts — and one hour after midnight 
You and your twenty saints shall seek me there. 
You're made to rise ! — you are, sir ; — Eyes of lynx, 
Ears of the stag, a footfall like the snow ; 
You are a valiant fellow ; — yea, a trusty. 
Religious, exemplary, incorrupt, 
And precious jewel of a fellow, Huguet ! 
If I live long eno' — ay, mark my words — 
If I live long eno', you'll be a colonel, — 

(Huguet bows.y 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 43 

Noble, perhaps! — (bows very low.) 
One hour, sir, after midnight. 

HuGUET. You leave me dumb with gratitude, my lord; 
ll'll pick the trustiest (aside) De Lorme's house can furnish? 

(HuGUET again bows very low and exits L. u. door.) 

RiCHE. Good ! All favors. 
If Frangois be but bold, and Huguet honest; 
Huguet — I half suspect — he bow'd too low — 
'Tis not his way. 

Joseph. This is the curse, my lord, 
Of your high state; — suspicion of all men. 

RiCHE. (sadly)* True; — true; — my leeches bribed to 
poisoners ; — pages 
To strangle me in sleep. — My very king 
(This brain the unresting loom, from which was woven 
The purple of his greatness) leagued against me. 
Old — childless — friendless — broken — all forsake — 
All— all— but— 

Joseph. What? 

RiCHE. The indomitable heart 
Of Armand Richelieu ! 

Joseph. And Joseph 

RiCHE. (after a pause) You 

Yes, I believe you — yes — for all men fear you — 

And the world loves you not. — And I, friend Joseph, 

I am the only man who could, my Joseph, 

Make you a Bishop. — Come, we'll go to dinner, 

And talk the while of methods to advance 

Our Mother Church. — Ah, Joseph, — Bishop Joseph.' 

(Joseph kisses the extended hand of the Cardinal. They walk 
slowly toward the right as curtain descends. — * Music.) 

END OF ACT SECOND. 



44 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIKACy. 



Second Day.— MiDNiGiftyoY ., 

Richelieu's Castle at Ruelle. 

At rise, lights down — *Music />. p. Moonlight effect througU 
window L. 2, Gothic room in 4 — boxed — large center arch closed 
by portieres. — Window opening to floor l. 2. Doors — r. i. and 
R. 3. — L. I. and L. 3. High mantelpiece and fireplace R. 2. Carpet 
down — Rugs — Pictures of the period on the walls. — Branched 
candlesticks on each table — one or two candles lighted — Ancient 
lamp, lighted. Books, manuscripts, writing materials and bell on 
table R. Antique furniture. Behind center arch concealed by 
portieres is a large bedstead, furnished with bedding, pillows, etc, 
a bunch lig^ht<fr folciuf^jojff^^thrffwj^ jtkt 



Backmc, 



end of act. 



Bedstead 





■iflD— bio 




V:-. V,\ 


■A'N . 




r, ■ rT 






Chair 



c^rch 



Chair ' 
i-ifi7'>:>of bngiili ,1 bnA- .Jon t;ov ?'<7ol ? 

,i!q??.oT. V!!l .f)!t,'0) ~ . - ■ ' 



Door 



I .2^Y 

i bnA 
n& I 

•2u«B*?rtA 

TwO 






Chfur 



. ,v.bj> 0) abofi 
, ..,"1 — tri(.pso\, ,j!7r 




\o 



Otair 



Door 



■r-^oo.'.TS T") 




{Richelieu is discovered seated l. of table r. reading a book.) 

RiCHE. "In silence, and at night, the conscience feeU 
That life should soar to nobler ends than power." 
So sayest thou, sage and sober moralist ! 



RiCHEUEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 'i^ 

^e safe and formal men, ^ .^vnn .. . . ; f,!, 

A^ho write the deeds, and with uhfeVerisH' hand 
tVeigh in nice scales the motives 6f the igreat, 
ife cannot know what ye have never tried ! ' 

4[istory preserves only the fleshless bones 

. Df what we are, and by the mocking skull ' 

The would-be wise pretend to gues^ the ieatur^S!" '^■^'i'-''' 
Still it were sweet. — ,; ' i ? 

(Franqois enters hastily dnH iomewhat disguised frovi ti^ ^ 
md goes down center. Ricu^uttS ifninediately rises and flinging 
wok away, confronts him.) '' ' '' ' '' '' -' '■ '' ' 

RiCHE. Philosophy, thou liest! ' '^ ^ • ^ 
3uick — the despatch ! — Power — Empire ! ' '^Oy— the packet I 

pRANg. Kill me, my lord, (kneels) i'Oio. ..iircil x. buJ-.. 

RiCHE. They knew thee— they suspectfedi^'"'^''''' ^' ^^^'^ -''^^^ 
They gave it hot i-'' '•'■ >i'-^'-^'"-'iJ t>''>' boif^'S .bVlstn.i^v ?1J 

Franc. He gave it-ift^-^e 'CoiifM''^'^^ '^'^'* '^'-'^ .b^jnuom i 
Baradas— with his own hand he gave itf ''■''''''-'^ '-'^ ''^'^^ stolqml 

RiCHE. Baradas! Joy! out with it!"'' '<"' '^'"'^'^^ *•''- '"'''' ^^^-^ 

Franc. Listen. ' siaio e,>Irqp orlV/ .3k:)iH ^ 

\nd then dismiss mfe to the headsrttaii '* ^'-''^ ^J'' '^- "'"'''^ ^^'"''-^ ^ 
RiCHE. Ha! '^ ' ■ if^rf 5foxKY iIt-!ovMsv/?i A 

Franc: Theyi^dF Wtb a=9iafeft^i^th^'^'"'''~> ^'^^••■"•^ ?0 
)rleans and Baradas — and some half-scorie, ^ 

Vhom I know not— were met — - -'''■ ' 

RiCHE. Not more'!'"^- ^'-''^ ^'^''■'§ ^^f'-" ''^'^"= ^"-^^ ^'^^•'' 

Franc. But from ' ' '■' '' ' '' ^■-;'^'' '•'-'■•''* '''^ f^" -^ -'• 
!7ie adjoining chamber broke the diri'of VofCM, '''•^''^*^^~'' '^^ "'"'' 
''he clattering tread of armed men; — at times ''"''' ^^ '<.»oo\ 
\. shriller cry, that yell'd out, "Death to Richelieu'!" ^--^^'^^'^ 

RiCHE. Speak not of me: thy country is in danger! '''• 
The adjoining room. — So, so — a separate treason! ' '^ "' * 

r-ne one thy ruin, France ! — the meaner cHme- 
-eft to their tools, my murder! — well 

Franc. Baradas. 
?tiestioned me close — demurr'd — until, at last, 
)'erruled by Orleans, — gave the packet — told me 
That life and death were in the scroll— this gold — 

(showing it.) 



46 RICHELIEU; OK, THE CONSPIRACY. 

RiCHE. Gold is no proof — 

pRANg. And Orleans promised thousands, 
When Bouillon's trumpets in the streets of Paris 
Rang out shrill answer ; — hastening from the house, 
My footstep in the stirrup, De Lorme stole 
Across the threshold, whispering "Lose no moment, 
Ere Richelieu have the packet : tell him too — 
Murder is in the winds of Night, and Orleans 
Swears, ere the dawn the Cardinal shall be clay." 
He said, and trembling fled within; when, lo! 
A hand of iron gripped me, thro' the dark 
Gleam'd the dim shadow of an armed man ; 
Ere I could draw — the prize was wrested from me, 
And a hoarse voice gasp'd — "Spy, I spare thee, for 
This steel is virgin to thy Lord !" — with that 
He vanish'd. Scared and trembling for thy safety, 
I mounted, fled, and, kneeling at thy feet, 
Implore thee to acquit my faith — but not. 
Like him, to spare my life. — 

RiCHE. Who spake of life? 
I bade thee grasp that treasure as thine honor — 
A jewel worth whole hecatombs of lives ! 
Begone — redeem thine honor — back to De Lorme — 
Or Baradas (Franqois rises) or Orleans — track the robber — 
Regain the packet — or crawl on to Age — 
Age and grey hairs like mine — and know, thou hast lost 
That, which had made thee great and saved thy country. — 
See me not till thou'st bought the right to seek me. — 
Away! — (pRANgois is retiring slowly and drooping — RichelieU 

looks at him, appears to relent and pats him kindly on the 

shoulder and smiles) Nay, cheer thee — thou hast not fail'd 

yet — 
There's no such word as "fail!" 

(pRANgois kneels and kisses the Cardinal's hand.) 

pRANg. Bless you, my lord, 
For that one smile ! 

(Exit quickly, L. 3 e.); 

RiCHE. He will win it yet. 
FranQois ! — He's gone. My murder ! 
This bravo's threat ! O for the morrow's dawn ! — 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 47 

HI set my spies to work — I'll make all space 
(As does the sun) an universal eye — ha! ha! — 
Strange, while I laugh'd I shudder'd, and ev'n now 
Thro' the chill air the beating of my heart 
Sounds like a death-watch by a sick man's pillow. 
If Huguet could deceive me — hoofs without — 
The gates unclose — steps nearer and nearer! 

(Enter Roland, l. 3 z.—He falls at the feet of the Cardinal.) 
RoL. Cardinal ! 
|My father ! 

RiCHE. Roland at this hour! and tears! 
What ails thee, boy? 

RoL. (Rising — stands L. c.) Listen — at noon DeMauprat, 
His marriage day — with strange and moody brow 
And muttering lips, left my sister, their home. 
Sudden, a mandate from the king, to attend 
.Forthwith his pleasure at the Louvre, 
I Reached me. 
I RicHE. Ha! 

You did obey the summons; and the king 
I'Reproved you with your sister's hasty nuptials? 
i RoL. Were that all ! 

I He frowned and chid; proclaimed the bond unlawful; 
Bade me not quit my chamber in the palace. 
Then boldly I denounced his wicked schemes, 
Proclaimed the sanctity of marriage vows, 
And prayed that God would take my sister 
I To his care and shield her in her need. 
iThen he left me. 

'j RiCHE. To my breast — close — close ! 
^The world would never need a Richelieu, if 
'Men — bearded, mailed men — the Lords of Earth — 
Resisted flattery, falsehood, avarice, pride, 
As this poor child with the dove's innocent scorn 
Vanity and Power ! — 
He left you — well ! 

RoL. Then came a sharper trial ! 
Kt the king's suit the Count de Baradas 
Sought me to soothe, to fawn, to flatter, he let fall 
Jark hints of treachery, and stung at last 



I'p.oH M 



^ WCHELIEU; OS, THE CONSPBeACY. 

By my disdain, the dim and glimmering sertSe' • ''^^' "^ 

Of his cloak'd words broke into bolder light,' (''"? =:'-^ ^^^^ ^^] 

And THEN— ah, then my haughty spirit fail'd nrrel ^''''''' P^^^< 

Then I was weak— wept— oh ! such bitter tears! f^'f'^ af^l '^id 

For (turn thy face aside, and let me whisper ^'' ^'^""^,'f 

The horror to thine ear) then did I learn 

That he — that Adrien, that my friend — knew ■ '=^'-'' " 

The king's degrading suit, and deemed it hon&tf -^' 

Then glared upon me all the hideous truth. 

Mystery of looks — words — all unravell'd — and 

I saw the impostor, where I loved the god'. 

RiCHE. I think thou wrong'st thy friend, - .' . , -, 

onr-'m ) ..ioM 
RoL. Did you say "wrong'd" him? Cardinal, my la^:^'^, gj 

Did you say "wrong'd?" Prove it, and life shall grow v|,,,,. {.,.,/*, 

One prayer for thy reward and his forgiveness. p 

RiCHE. Let me know all. 1 

RoL. To the despair he caused 
The courtier left me ; but amid the chaos 

Darted one guiding ray — to 'scape — to fly — l 

Reach Adrien, learn the worst — 'twas then near midnight: -ri^^i^ 
Trembling I left my chamber — sought the queen — •>! 

Her word sufficed to unlock the palace gates: l! sB 

I hasten'd home — but home was desolate — obsS 

Fearing the worst, I fled ;>:}rjriuun- LradT 

To thee, directed hither. As my wheels ' - . ^*^i 

Paused at thy gates — the clang of arms behind — A 

The ring of hoofs ! i - ;;>i. jm. f 

RiCHE. 'Twas but my guards. '^^'- ' ' ^ 

(So Huguet keeps his word, my omens wrong'd him.) 

{Takes the lamp or taper.) 
Nay, there's no danger now. Thou needest rest. 
Come, thou shalt lodge beside me. Tush ! be cheer*d, 
All will be well— yes, yet all well. ''' ■"^<^"l ^'^^^ ' 

(Exeunt r. 3. e. — Foot and border lights are turned' still lo^ir') 
{Enter Huguet followed by De Mauprat in complete 

armor — visor down — L. i. E.) 

Huguet. Not here! 

De Mau. Oh, I will find him, fear not. Hence, and guard 
The galleries where the menials sleep — plant sentries 



' RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 49 

U every outlet — Chance should throw no shadow 
Jetween the vengeance and the victim! Go! (x's to R.) 

HuGUET. Will you not 
1^ second arm? (goes to l. corner.) 

De Mau. To slay one weak old man? 
Away! No lesser wrongs than mine can make 
This murder lawful.— Hence I (goes to R. corner front.) 

HuGUET. A short farewell ! (£jri7 Huguet, l. i. e.) 

[Re-enter Richelieu, r. 3, carrying lamp — 

Does not see De Mauprat. Lights half up.) 

Riche. How heavy is the air! 
The very darkness lends itself to {t&r—{puts lamp on table L.) 
To treason 

De Mau. And to 6itzi\\\— (advances.) 

Riche. (l.) My omens lied not! 
What art thou, wretch? 

De Mau. Thy doomsman! 

Riche. Ho, my guards ! 



D* Mau. 
O 



Riche. 
O 



j Huguet ! Montbrassil ! Vermont ! 

I De Mau. Ay, thy spirits 
Forsake thee, wizard ; thy bold men of mail 
Are my confederates. Stir not! but one step, 

I And know thy next— thy grave, (seises Richelieu's arm) 

Riche. (shaking him off) Thou liest, knave! 

II am old — most feeble — but thou liest! 

i Armand de Richelieu dies not by the hand 

Of man — the stars have said it. 
I Call them all, — 

Thy brother butchers ! Earth has no such fiend — 



50 RICHEXIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

No! as one parricide of his father-land, 
Who dares in Richelieu murder France ! 

(Goes down l. leaving the center to De Mauprat.) 

De Mau. Thy stars deceive thee, Cardinal ; 
Mark ! In his hot youth, a soldier, urged to crime 
Against the State, placed in your hands his life; — 
You did not strike the blow — but, o'er his head, 
Upon the gossamer thread of your caprice, 
Hovered the axe. 

One day you summoned — mocked him with smooth pardon — 
Showered wealth upon him — bade an angel's face 
Turn earth to paradise 

RiCHE. Well! 

De Mau. Was this mercy? 
A Caesar's generous vengeance ? — Cardinal, no ! 
Judas, not Caesar, was the model ! You 
Saved him from death for shame ; 
Expect no mercy. 
Behold De Mauprat! (lifts his visor) 

(Richelieu goes up and takes center.) 



Xiche. 
O 

De Mam. 
O 



RiCHE. To thy knees, and crawl 
For pardon; or, I tell thee, thou shalt live 
For such remorse, that, did I hate thee, I 
Would bid thee strike, that I might be avenged!— 
It was to save my Julie from the king, 
That in thy valor I forgave thy crime ; — 
(goes toward door R. 3, and calls:) 
Roland ! Roland De Mortemar ! 

(Enter Roland, r. 3, and comes down center.) 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 5I 





Rol. 











Riche. 




DtMau 











Lo, my witness ! 

De Mau. What marvel's this? I dream. Roland, thou 

Rol. Henceforth all bond 
Between us twain is broken. 

Riche. So, you hear him. 

De Mau. Thou with some slander hast his sense infected 1 

Rol. No, sir, he did excuse thee; 'twas thy friend, 
Thy confidant — familiar — Baradas — 
Himself revealed thy baseness. 

De Mau. Baseness; 

Riche. Ay ; 
{That thou didst court dishonor. 

De Mau. Baradas! 
Where is thy thunder, heaven? — Duped! — snared! — undone! 
Thou — thou could'st not believe him ! 

Riche. Nay, take his hand 
And speak the truth, with which your heart runs over 
That this Count Judas — this Incarnate Falsehood — 
Never lied more, than when he told thy sister 
That Adrien loved her not — except, indeed. 
When he told Adrien, Julie could betray him. 

Ho, these schemes are glass — 
The very sun shines through them. 

De Mau. O, my lord, 
Can you forgive? {kneels) 

Riche. Ay, and save you ! 

De Mau. Save! — 
Terrible word! — O, save thyself; (rises) these halls 
Swarm with thy foes ; already for thy blood 
Pants thirsty murder! 



52 RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

RoL. Murder ! 

RiCHE. Hush! put by the boy. ] 

Hush ; a shriek — a cry — a breath 
Too loud may stir the avalanche and whelm us all. 
Go to the door, and listen! — (Roland listens at L. i. D.) 
Now for escape ! 

De Mau. None, — none! (x's to l.) Their blades shall pass 
This heart to thine. 

RiCHE. (dryly) An honorable outwork, 
(RiCHE. slaps twice the breastplate of De Mauprat, 

touching his own breast.) 

But much too near the citadel 

I think that I can trust you now {slowly, and gazing on him) 

Yes, I can trust you. 
How many of my troop league with you? 

De Mau. All !— 
We are your troop! 

RiCHE. And Huguet?— 

De Mau. Is our captain. 

RiCHE. A retribution Power! — This comes of spies! 
All? then the lion's skin too short to-night, 
Now for the fox's ! — 

RoL. (Listening at L. i. E.) 
A hoarse, gathering murmur !—(*mMJ«V—"//Mrry" till curtain.) 
Hurrying and heavy footsteps ! — 

RiCHE. Ha, the posterns? 

De Mau. No egress where no sentry! 

RiCHE. Follow me — 
I have it ! — to my chamber — quick ! Come, Roland 
Hush ! Mauprat, come ! 

(Shouts heard off l. i. e., at first distant, then louder : 

"Death to the Cardinal!") 

(Exeunt quickly, Riche., Rol., and De Mau., off R. 3- «.) 
(Outside Huguet and conspirators shout simultaneously: — 
"This way"— "This way"— "Death to the Cardinal.") 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 53 

'/iEnter Huguet and conspirators, l. i. e. very 

noisily and take positions as below.) 

1 1 

£>e Matt. 
O 

O O 

O O 

O O 

O O 

O O 



Huguet. De Mauprat's hand is never slow in battle ; — 
Strange, if it falter now ! Ha ! gone ! 

1ST Cons. Perchance 
The fox had crept to rest ! and to his lair 
Death, the dark hunter, tracks him. 

(Enter De Mauprat, r. 3. e.— Pulls aside the portieres, dis- 
covering Richelieu lying on the bed as in death — Calcium on 
bed.) 

De Mau. Live the king! 
Richelieu is dead, (coming down c.) 

Huguet. You have been long. 

De Mau. I watch'd him till he slept. 
Heed me — No trace of blood reveals the deed ; — 
Strangled in sleep. His health hath long been broken- 
Found breathless in his bed. So runs our tale, 
Remember ! Back to Paris — Orleans gives 
Five thousand crowns, and Baradas a lordship. 
To him who first gluts vengeance with the news 
That Richelieu is in heaven ! Quick, that all France 
May share your joy. 

All. Away ! away ! 

Huguet. And you? 

De Mau. Will stay, to crush 
Eager Suspicion — prepare 

The rites, and place him on his bier — this my task. 
I leave to you, sirs, the more grateful lot 

Of wealth and honors. Hence! (the Conspirators on r. x to l.; 
those l. move towards l. d.) 



54 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSHIRACV. 

HuGUET. I shall be noble! (x's l.) 

De Mau. Away! 

1ST Cons. Five thousand crowns ! 

Omnes. To horse! — to horse! 

(Exeunt Conspirators and Huguet, l. i. e. — De Mauprat re- 
mains center. — Enter quickly Richelieu and Roland, r. 3. E. — 
All come down stage. The Cardinal has the hands of both — De 
Mauprat on his right — Roland on his left.) 



Richt. 

O 

D* Mau. Rol. 

o o 



{Give these last lines with much intensity. Lights up full.) 
RiCHE. Bloodhounds, I laugh at ye ! — ha ! ha ! — we will 

Baffle them yet. Ha !— ha !— 

(Richelieu continues boisterous laughter till curtain. — *Music 

forte at drop of curtain.) 

End of Act III. 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 



55 



ACT IV. 

Third Day. 



Gardens of the Louvre : 

Lights up full. Use the ground cloth or imitation black and 
<hite marble squares. Handsome garden drop in 5. Balustrade 
:ross 4, open in center, masking a platform about two feet 
igh — steps at center. Garden zvings — borders. Statuary and 
tstic furniture. 
' * Play "Amaryllis" at rise of curtain. 



Q 



IQQMQQQ 



QOMOQOQ 



Utaiue 





Jtaiae 



Rustic StncK. 



gustLC Bench 



{Enter Orleans l., and Baradas r. over platform, meeting and 
ming dozvn center, followed by several courtiers who remain 

stage grouped.) 

Orleans. How does my brother bear the Cardinal's death? 

Barad. With grief, when thinking of the toils of State; 
ith joy, when thinking on the eyes of Julie : — 
i times he sighs, "Who now shall govern France?" 
ion exclaims — "Who now shall baffle Louis?" 

(Enter Louis, Clermont and Couktiers, u. 3. e. — All bow pro- 
Hndly to the King, removing their hats.) 



56 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 



o ' o 

Courtiers 


O 
Courtiers 


O 


O 

Clermont 


Baradas 


O 
King 
O 

Orleans 


O 


O 



Orleans. Now, my liege, now, I can embrace a brother. 

Louis. Dear Gaston, yes. I do believe you love me ; — 
Richelieu denied it — sever'd us too long. 
A great man, Gaston ! Who shall govern France ? 

Barad. Yourself, my liege. That swart and potent star 
Eclipsed your royal orb. He serv'd the country, 
But did he serve, or seek to sway the King? 

Louis. You're right. Then so disloyal in that marriage. 
He never loved me ! 

Barad. Oh, most clear ! — But now 
No bar between the lady and your will ! 
This writ makes all secure : a week or two 
Ixi the Bastille will sober Mauprat's love. 
And leave him eager to dissolve a Hymen 
That brings him such a home. 

Louis. See to it. Count 

(Exit Baradas, r. i, 
I'll summon Julie back. Messires, a word with you. 
(Takes aside first Courtier and De Beringhen, and passes, coti 

versing with them, through the gardens, l. i e. Orleans an 

Courtiers in the same direction, l. 2 e.) 

(Enter Franqois, l. 3 e. 

Franq. All search, as yet, in vain for Mauprat ! Not 
At home since yesternoon — a soldier told me 
He saw him pass this way with hasty strides; 
Should he meet Baradas — they'd rend it from him — 
And then ! Oh no, sweet Fortune smile upon me — 
I am thy son ! — if thou desert'st me now. (looking about l.) 
Come death and shield me from disgrace. 

(Enter De Mauprat, over platform, goes down to r. center- 
He speaks whilst entering.) 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACT. 57 

De Mau. Oh, let me — 
.et me but meet him foot to foot — I'll dig 
'he Judas from his heart; — albeit the King 
ihould o'er him cast the purple ! 

pRANg. (l.) Mauprat ! hold : — 
Vhere is the 

De Mau. (r.) Well! What wouldst thou? 

pRANg. The despatch ! 
"he packet. — Look on vie — I serve the Cardinal— 
■■ou know me. — Did you not keep guard last night 
;y De Lorme's house? 

De Mau. I did : — no matter now ! — 
"hey told me, he was here! — (x'j l.) 

Franq. O joy! quick — quick — 
'he packet thou didst wrest from me? 

De Mau. The packet? — 
Vhat art thou he, I deem'd the Cardinal's spy? — 

pRANg. The same — restore it ! — haste ! 

De Mau. I have it not : — 

pRANg. Not ! 

De Mau. Methought it but reveal'd our scheme to Richelieu, 

vnd, as we mounted, gave it too 

{Enter Baradas, r. 3. e, — Comes quickly down R.) 
Stand back! 
fow, villain ! now — I have thee ! 

{To pRANgois) Hence, sir! — Draw! 

pRANg. Art mad ? — the king's at hand ! leave him to Richelieu ! 
|>eak — the despatch — to whom — 

De Mau. (dashing him aside, x's to c, and rushing to 
Baradas.) 

Thou triple slanderer ! 
'11 set my heel upon thy crest! (they fight round — 
Iauprat to R., Baradas to L.) 

pRANg. Fly — fly ! — 
lie king ! — 

(Enter Louis, De Beringhen and Courtiers, l. 2 e. — Six of 
ing's guards from r. 3. The guards facing the audience, three on 
9ch side of the steps up stage.) 

(Enter Louis, Orleans, Dk Beringhen, Courtiers, &€., 

I. E.; the Guards hastily, r.) 



58 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 



Louis. Swords drawn — before our very palace! — 
Have our laws died with Richelieu? 

Barad. Pardon, sire, — 
My crime but self defence, (aside to King) It is De Mauprat! 

Louis. Dare he thus brave us? 

(Baradas gees to the Guard and gives the writ, R.) 

De Mau. Sire, in the Cardinal's name — 

Barad. Seize him — disarm — to the Bastille ! 

(De Mauprat seized, struggles with the Guard — pRANgois 
restlessly endeavoring to pacify and speak to him.) 

{Voice outside announces: — "His Eminence, the Cardinal Due 
De Richelieu." * A stately march is played, ten of the Cardina, 
guards enter on platform and remain there facing the audience 

Enter Richelieu leaning on Joseph's arm, followed by twc 
pages zvho carry his Magna Cap pa. — He stops up stage.) 

All. The Cardinal ! 

Barad. The dead 
Return'd to life ! 

Louis. What a mock death ; this tops 
The Infinite of Insult. 

De Mau. (breaking ftom Guards) Priest and Hero!— 
For you are both — protect the Truth ! — 

Positions 



o o 


O 


O 
Richelieu's 


O O 
Quard 


o o o 


" 


O 

rd 










o o 




o o o 




JiihfiCaa 


O 


re 




f 


O 

'age 


/Ongs Guard 


O O 










O O 


O 










O 


Courtiers 




O 

Copt. 

o 




O 

Joseph, 


Courtiers 


^ ■ rs 

j>eSerin y 

£ar. 


O 

JCCng 


Ortea/u 




O 

Xiche 


O 

OeMau. 


O 

rmrvcois 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 59 

RiCHE, (taking the writ from the guard) 
What's this? 

De Berin. Fact in philosophy. Foxes have got 
Nine lives, as well as cats ! — 

Barad. Be firm, my liege, (on his R.) 

Louis. I have assumed the sceptre — I will wield it ! 

Joseph, (r. up stage) The tide runs counter — there'll be 
shipwreck somewhere. 
(Baradas and Orleans kcc(y close to the King, whispering and 
prompting him zvJien Richelieu speaks.) 

Riche. High treason, Faviaux ! still that stale pretence! 
My liege, bad men (ay. Count, most knavish men!) 
Abuse your royal goodness. — For this soldier, 
^France hath none braver, and his youth's hot folly. 
Misled — (by whom your highness [to Orleans] may con- 
I jecture!) — 

Is long since cancell'd by a loyal manhood. 
I, sire, have pardoned him. 

Louis. And we do give 
Your pardon to the winds. (Orleans, Baradas, Courtiers, all 
exult and gather about Louis.) Sir, do your duty! {to 
Captain) 

Riche. What, sire? you do not know — Oh, pardon me 
You know not yet, that this brave, honest heart 
Stood between mine and murder ! — Sire, for my sake — 
For your old servant's sake — undo this wrong. 
See, let me rend the sentence. 

Louis. At your peril ! 
Xtakes writ from him and gives it to the Captain.) 
This is too much : — Again, sir, do your duty ! 
'(Courtiers delighted gather round Louis as congratulating with 
eager joy. Officer and four Archers x to l. u. e.) 

Riche. Speak not, but go : — I would not see young Valor 
So humbled as grey Service ! 

De Mau. Fare you well : 
Save Julie, and console her. 

Fran?, (aside to Mauprat) The despatch ! 
Your fate, foes, life, hang on a word! — ^to whom? 

De Mau. To Hugutt. 

pRANg. Hush ! 



60 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

(Exeunt Mauprat, Captain and Guard at l. 3 e.)' 

Francois goes up stage and is met by Baradas. 

Barad. Has he the packet? 

pRANg. He will not reveal. (Exit Francois, l. 3 B.) 

(All the Courtiers have closed round the King, shutting 
Richelieu out.) 

RiCHE. (fiercely) Room, my Lords, room! The Minister of 
France can need no intercession with the King, (they fall back.) 

Louis. What means this false report of death. Lord Cardinal? 

RiCHE. Are you then anger'd, sire, that I live still? 

Louis. No ; but such artifice 

RiCHE. Not mine — look elsewhere ! 
Louis — my castle swarm'd with the assassins. 

Barad. (advancing, r.) We have punished them already. 
Huguet now in the Bastille. Oh, my lord, we were prompt 
To avenge you — we were 

RiCHE. We? Ha! ha! you hear, 
My liege ! What page, man, in the last Court grammar 
Made you a plural ? Count, you have seized the hireling;--' 
Sire, shall I name the master? 

Louis. Hush ! my lord, 
The old contrivance — ever does your wit 
Invent assassins — that ambition may 
Slay rivals — (Baradas crosses behind to the King.) 

RiCHE. Rivals, sire, in what? 
Service to France? / have none! Lives the man 
Whom Europe, paled before your glory, deems 
Rival to Armand Richelieu? 

Louis. What, so haughty ! 
Remember he who made can unmake. 

RiCHE. Never ! 
Never! Your anger can recall your trust, 
Annul my office, spoil me of my lands, 
Rifle my coffers — but my name — my deeds, 
Are royal in a land beyond your sceptre! 
Pass sentence on me, if you will; from Kings, 
Lo ! I appeal to Time ! 

Louis, (turns haughtily to the Cardinal) Enough! 
Your Eminence must excuse a longer audience. 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 6l 

To your own palace. For our conference, this 
Nor place — nor season. 

RiCHE. Good, my liege, for Justice 
All place a temple, and all season, summer! 
Do you deny me justice? Saints of Heaven! 
He turns from me ! Do you deny me justice f 
For fifteen years, while in these hands dwelt Empire, 
The humblest craftsman — the obscurest vassal — 
The very leper shrinking from the sun, 
Tho' loathed by charity, might ask for justice! 
Not with the fawning tone and crawling mien 
Of some I see around you — Counts and Princes — 
Kneeling for favors; but, erect and loud. 
As men who ask man's rights ! — my liege, my Louis, 
Do you refuse me justice — audience even — 
In the pale presence of the baffled Murder? 

Louis. Lord Cardinal — one by one you have sever'd from me 
The bonds of human love. 
You find me now amidst my trustiest friends. 
My closest kindred; — you would tear them from me; 
They murder you forsooth, since me they love. 
Eno' of plots and treasons for one reign ! 
Home ! Home ! And sleep away these phantoms ! 
[{King crosses in front to l. corner — Courtiers with Orleans and 
Baradas cross to l. behind the Cardinal.) 

RiCHE. Sire ! 

I patience, Heaven ! — sweet Heaven ! — Sire, from the foot 

Of that Great Throne, these hands have raised aloft 

On an Olympus, looking down on mortals 

And worshipp'd by their awe — before the foot 

Of that high Throne, spurn you the grey-hair'd man, 

Who gave you empire — and now sues for safety? 

Louis. No : — when we see your Eminence in truth 
At the foot of the Throne — we'll listen to you. 

(Exit l. I. E. — King Guards exeunt l. 3.) 

Orleans. Saved ! 

Barad. For this deep thanks to Julie and to Mauprat ! 

(Exit Baradas and Orleans, l. I. E,) 

RiCHE. Joseph — Did you hear the king? 

Joseph, (r. c.) I did, — there's danger! 



62 



RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY, 



RiCHE. I will accuse these traitors ! 
Frangois shall witness that De Baradas 
Gave him the secret missive for De Bouillon, 
And told him life and death were in the scroll. 
I will — I will 

Joseph. Tush ! Francois is your creature ; 
So they will say, and laugh at you ! — your witness 
Must be that same despatch. 

RiCHE, Away to De Lorme! 

Joseph. I have been there — he is seized — removed — 
imprisoned — 
By the Count's orders. 

(Enter Roland De Mortemar^l. 3. E.) 



Joseph 
O 



Rick*. 
O 



Roland 
O 



RoL. Heaven ! I thank thee ! 
It cannot be, or this all-powerful man 
Would not stand idly thus. 

RiCHE. What dost thou here? 
Home. 

RoL. Home! — is Adrien there? — you're dumb — yet strive 
For words; I see them trembling on your lip, 
But choked by pity. It was truth — all truth ! 
Seized — the Bastille, and in your presence too! 
Cardinal, where is Adrien? Think — he saved 
Your life : — your name is infamy, if wrong 
Should come to his ! 

RiCHE. Be soothed child. 

RoL. Child no more; 
Answer me one word — where is Adrien? 

RiCHE. You ask me for Adrien 
There, where the clouds of heaven look darkest, o'er 
The domes of the Bastille ! 



I RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 6j 

RoL. O, mercy! mercy! 
aave him, restore him, father! Art thou not 
The Cardinal-King? — the Lord of life and death— 
\rt thou not Richelieu? 

RiCHE. Yesterday I was! — 
To-day, a very weak old man! — To-morrow, 
i know not what! (x's L.) 

RoL. (to Joseph) Do you conceive his meaning? 
,\las ! I cannot. 

I Joseph. The king is chafed 
\gainst his servant. Roland, while we speak, 
The lackey of the ante-room is not 
iMore powerless than the minister of France. 
I {Enter Clermont, r. i. e.) 

Cler. Pardon, your Eminence — even now I seek 
This youth at home, commanded by the king 
To bid his presence. 

RoL. (clinging to Richelieu) Think of my dead father!— 
Think, how, an infant, clinging to your knees. 
And looking to your eyes, the wrinkled care 
Fled from your brow before the smile of childhood, 
Fresh from the dews of heaven ! Think of this, 
And take me to your breast. 

Riche. To those who sent you ! — 
Begone ! 

Cler. My lord, I am your friend and servant — 
Misjudge me not; but never yet was Louis 
So roused against you: — shall I take this answer? — 
It were to be your foe. 

Riche. All time my foe. 
If I, a priest could cast this holy sorrow 
Forth from his last asylum! 

Cler. He is lost! 

(Exit Clermont, r. i. e.) 

Riche. God help thee child! 
(Joseph comes down l., and takes Roland from the Cardinal.) 
The storm that rends the oak, uproots the flower. 



64 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

His father loved me so! and in that age 
When friends are brothers! He has been to me 
Soother, son, plaything. Ah, what! are these tears? 
Oh ! shame, shame ! — dotage ! 

Joseph, (l.) Tears are not for eyes 
That rather need the lightning. The despatch! 
Set every spy to work ; the morrow's sun 
Must see that written treason in your hands, 
Or rise upon your ruin. 

RiCHE. Ay — and close 
Upon my corpse ! — I am not made to live — 
Friends, glory, France, all reft from me ; — my star, 
Like some vain holiday mimicry of fire. 
Piercing imperial heaven, and falling down 
Rayless and blacken'd, to the dust — a thing 
For all men's feet to trample ! Yea ! — to-morrow 
Triumph or death ! Look up, child ! — Lead us, Joseph. 
(As they are going up center Baradas and De Beringhen enter. 

R I. E.) 

Barad. My lord, the king cannot believe your Eminence 
So far forgets your duty, and his greatness, 
As to resist his mandate ! Pray you, young sir, 
Obey the king — no cause for fear. 

RoL. (stand L. of Richelieu) My father! 

RiCHE. (center) He shall not stir! 

Barad. (down r.) You are not of his kindred— 
An orphan — 

RiCHE. And his country is his mother ! 

Barad. The country is the king! 

RiCHE. Ay, is it so? 
Then wakes the power which in the age of iron 
Burst forth to curb the great, and raise the low. I 

Mark, where he stands ! — around his form I draw 
The awful circle of our solemn church ! j 

Set but a foot within that holy ground. 
And on thy head — yea, though it wore a crown — 
I launch the curse of Rome ! 

(The characters and soldiers kneel, excepting Richelieu and 
Roland — wait a moment for the effect, then resume former 
positions.) 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 6S 



o o o o o o o 

Richelieu's Guards 




Barad. I dare not brave you ! 
I do but speak the orders of my king. 
The church, your rank, your very word, my lord. 
Suffice you for resistance : — blame yourself, 
\ If it should cost you power ! 

RiCHE. That my stake. — Ah! 
Dark gamester! what is thine? Look to it well! — 
Lose not a trick. — By this same hour to-morrow 
Thou shalt have France, or I thy head ! 

Barad. {aside to De Beringhen) He cannot 
Have the despatch? 

De Berin. No: were it so, your stake 
Were lost already. 

Joseph, (aside, behind on his r.) Patience is your game: 
Reflect you have not the despatch ! 

RiCHE. Monk! monk! 
Leave patience to the saints — for / am human! 

Barad. (aside) He wanders ! 

RiCHE. So cling close unto my breast ; 
Did not thy father die for France, poor orphan. 
I am very feeble — Of little use it seems to any now. 
Well, well — we will go home. 

(They turn up center.} 

Barad. In sooth, my lord, 
You do need rest — the burthens of the state 
O'ertask your health ! 



66 RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

RiCHE. (to Joseph) See I'm patient. 

Barad. (aside) His mind 
And life are breaking fast! 

(The Cardinal turns fiercely upon him, comes down stage^ 
followed by Joseph and Roland.) 

RiCHE. Irreverent ribbald ! 
If so, beware the falling ruins! Hark! 
I tell thee, scorner of these whitening hairs, 
When this snow melteth there shall come a flood ! 
Avaunt ! my name is Richelieu — I defy thee ! 
Walk blindfold on ; behind thee stalks the headsman. 
Ha ! ha ! — how pale he is ! (Falls back in Joseph's artns Tableaux^ 

(Music for curtain.) 

End of Act IV. 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 



67 



ACT V. 
Fourth Day. 



A room of state in the palace of the Louvre. A splendid 
i palace arch set. Three arches — center — right and left — interior 
\ backing. Lively music at the rise of curtain. — Lights full up. 

i BcLcking 



Entrance 



Entrance. 




Jlrcft 




Entrance 



Entrance 



(Enter Orleans and Baradas through center arch from r.— 
They go well down stage. Baradas r. c. — Orleans l. c.) 

Barad. All smiles ! the Cardinal's swoon of yesterday 
Heralds his death to-day; 

All smiles ! and yet, should this accurs'd De Mauprat 
Have given our packet to another. — 'Sdeath ! 
I dare not think of it ! 

Orleans. You've sent to search him? 

Barad. Sent, sir, to search? — that hireling hands may find 
Upon him, naked, with its broken seal, 
That scroll, whose every word is death ! No — no — 



68 



RICHELIEU; OK, THE CONSPIKACY. 



These hands alone must clutch that awful secret. 
I dare not leave the palace, night or day, 
While Richelieu lives — his minions — creatures — spies — 
Not one must reach the king ! 

Orleans. What hast thou done? 

Barad. Summon'd De Mauprat hither ! 

Orleans. Could this Huguet, 
Who pray'd thy presence with so fierce a fervor, 
Have thieved the scroll ? 

Barad. Huguet was housed with us, 
The very moment we dismiss'd the courier, 
It cannot be ! a stale trick for reprieve. 
But, to make sure, I've sent our trustiest friend 
To see and sift him — Hist ! here comes the king. 

(Enter four Pages, Louis and Courtiers through center from 
the left. — He comes down center — Orleans and Baradas bowing 
ceremoniously.) 









Pases 
O O 


Pages 
O O 


Courtiers 

O 
O O 


King 
O 




Baradas 
O 




Orleant 

O 



How fare you, sire? 

Louis. In the same mind, my lords, I have 
Decided! yes he would forbid your presence. 
My brother, your's, my friend, then Julie, too ; 
Thwarts, braves, defies — (suddenly turning to Baradas.) 
We make you minister. 
Gaston, for you — the baton of our armies. 
You love me, do you not? 

Orleans. Oh, love you, sire? 
Never so much as now. 



KICHELIEU ; OR. THE CONSPIRACY. 69 

Barad. May I deserve 
Your trust (aside) until you sign your abdication! 
My liege, but one way left to daunt De Mauprat, 
And Julie to divorce. — We must prepare 
The death-writ ; what, tho' sign'd and seal'd ? we can 
Withhold the enforcement. 

Louis. Ah, you may prepare it; 
We need not urge it to effect. 

Barad. Exactly ! 
No haste, may liege, (going to table r.. aside) He may 
live one hour longer. 

(Enter Clermont through c.) 

Cler. Sire, Roland de Mortemar, brother of 
The Lady Julie, implores an audience. 

Louis. Aha ! — We'll admit him. 

Barad. Sire, he comes for Mauprat's pardon. 

Louis. You are minister, 
We leave to you our answer. 

(Enter Roland, c. — at the same time the Captain of the Guards 
enters r. i. e. and whispers to Baradas.) 

Capt. The Chevalier 
De Mauprat waits below. 

Barad. (aside) Now the despatch! 

(Exit with Officer, r. i. e.) 

RoL. My liege, you sent for me. I come where Grief 
Should come when guiltless, while the name of King 
Is holy on the earth! — Here, at the feet (kneels) 
Of Power, I kneel for mercy. 

Louis, (c.) Mercy, 
Is an afifair of state. The Cardinal should 
[n this be your interpreter. 
' RoL. Alas ! 

[ know not if that mighty spirit now 
[Stoops to the things of earth. Nay, while I speak, 
i Perchance he hears the orphan by the throne 
iVhere Kings themselves need pardon. O. my liege. 
1 3e father to the fatherless ; in you 
I Swells my last hope ! 

I (rises.) 

(Enter Baradas. r. i. e.) 



70 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

Barad. (aside) He has not the despatch; 
Smiled, while we search'd, and braves me. — Oh ! 

Louis, (gently) What would'st thou? 

RoL. A single life. — You reign o'er millions. — What 
Is one man's life to you? — and yet to me 
'Tis France, 'tis earth, 'tis everything! — a life, — 
A human life — my friend's. 

Louis, (to Baradas) Speak to him. 
I am not marble — give him hope — or — 

(Louis goes up and joins the Courtiers.) 

Barad. Vex not your King, whose heart, too soft for justice. 
Leaves to his ministers that solemn charge. 

RoL. You were his friend. 

Barad. I was before I loved thy sister. 

RoL. Loved my sister Julie! 

Barad. I am young, 
Well-born and brave as Mauprat : — for her sake 
I would peril what he has not — fortune — power; 
All to great souls most dazzling. I alone 
Can save you from yon tyrant, now my puppet. 

RoL. Thou durst not speak 
Thus is his ear. (pointing to Louis) Thou double traitor!— 

tremble. 
I will unmask thee. 

Barad. I will say thou ravest. 
And see this scroll ! its letters shall be blood ! 
Go to the King, count with me word for word ; 
And while you pray the life — I write the sentence I 

(Baradas goes to table and signs the warrant.) 

RoL. Stay, stay, (rushing to the King, who comes from the\ 
circle) You have a kind, a princely heart, 
Tho' sometimes it is silent : you were born 
To power — it has not flush'd you into madness. 
As it doth meaner men. Banish my friend 
My sister's spouse. — 

But spare this life, thus lonely, scathed, and bloomless, 
And when thou stand'st for judgment on thine own, 
The deed shall shine beside thee as an angel. 
Louis, (much affected) Go, go, to Baradas : 

(Exit r. 3., with courtiers.) 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 71 

RoL. O, thou sea of shame, 
And not one star. 

(gois down R. c.) 
Barad. (l. c.) Well, thy election, Roland; 

Thy sister's hand — his grave. 

RoL. His grave ! and I 

Barad. Can save him. 
RoL. That were a bitterer death ! 
Avaunt, thou tempter ! I did ask his life 
A boom, and not the barter of dishonor. 

Barad. Hast thou decided? (stamping his foot, De Mau- 
prat enters R. 3. e., guarded by two soldiers.) 
Behold thy friend! Shall he pass to death? 
RoL. Adrien, speak ! 
De Mau. Oh, think, my Roland, 
Life, at the best, is short, but friendship immortal ! 

Barad. (to De Mauprat) Now, say to whom 
Thou gavest the packet, and thou yet shalt live. 
De Mau. I'll tell thee nothing! 
Barad. Hark, — the rack ! 
De Mau. Thy penance 
iFor ever, wretch! What rack is like the conscience? 

Barad. (giving the writ to the officer) Hence, to the 
headsman. 
j (A voice outside announces: — "His Eminence, the Cardinal 
iDuc de Richelieu.") 

1 (Enter Richelieu through center, accompanied by Joseph, 
\two pages and three Secretaries of State carrying their port- 
folios. — * Music till on.) 

RoL. (rushing to Richelieu) You live — you live — and Adrien 

shall not die ! 
Riche. Not if an old man's prayers, himself near death, 
Can aught avail thee ! Count, you now 

(Baradas goes to table and signs the warrant.) 
Hold what I held on earth : — one boon, my lord, 
TMs soldier's life. 

Barad. The stake — my head ! — you said it. 
[ cannot lose one trick. Remove your prisoner. 
RoL. No!— No!— 

(Enter Louis, Courtiers and Pages, from the rooms, r. 3.) 



72 





RICHELIEU; OR 


, THE CONSPIRACY. 




Positions 






J-'*l 


o o o o 


o o 

Quard 


O 


O O o 


[ 


o o 

O 

O. Soldcer 
Soldier 


O O 

o 


o 

Cier 


O DeM 
Rot 


o 

IRuhe 




Joseph. 












o 













BaracL 



l^'Sec. 



) 



RiCHE. (to Officer) Stay, sir, one moment. My good liege, 
Your worn-out servant, willing, sire, to spare you 
Some pain of conscience, would forestall your wishes. 
I do resign my office, (all start) 

De Mau. You? 
All's over! 

RiCHE. My end draws near. These sad ones, sire, I love 
them, 
I do not ask his life; but suffer Justice 
To halt, until I can dismiss his soul, 
Charged with an old man's blessing. 

Louis. Surely ! 

Barad. Sire 

Louis. Silence — small favor to a dying servant. 

RiCHE. You would consign your armies to the baton 
Of your most honor'd brother. Sire, so be it ! 
Your minister, the Count de Baradas; 
A most sagacious choice ! — Your secretaries 
Of state attend me, sire, to render up 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 7i 

The ledgers of a realm. — I do beseech you, 
Suffer these noble gentlemen to learn 
The nature of the glorious task that waits them, 
Here, in my presence. 

Louis. You say well, my lord. 

RiCHE. I — I — faint ! — air — air — 

(Richelieu is assisted to sofa l, on which he reclines — 
Pillows for the head. Head up stage — feet toward the audience.) 
I thank you — Draw near, my children. Approach sirs ! 

Barad. He's too weak to question, 
Nay, scarce to speak; all's safe. 

(Roland and De Mauprat kneel R. of sofa — Joseph back of 
sofa. — The King seats himself on the throne — Baradas stands a. 
of throne. The Secretaries in turn advance and kneel on the 
lozvest step of the throne.) 

First Sec. (kneeling) The affairs of Portugal, 
Most urgent, sire, (gives a paper) One short month since the 

Duke 
Braganza was a rebel. 

Louis. And is still ! 

First Sec. No, sire, he has succeeded! He is now 
Crown'd King of Portugal — craves instant succour 
Against the arms of Spain. 

Louis. We will not grant it 
Against his lawful king. Eh, Count? 

Barad. No, sire. 

First Sec. But Spain's your deadliest foe; whatever 
Can weaken Spain must strengthen France. The Cardinal 
Would send the succours — (solemnly) — balance, sire, of Europe! 
(gives another paper) 

Louis. The Cardinal! — balance! We'll consider — 
Eh, Count? 

Barad. Yes, sire, (to First Secretary) Fall back. 

First Sec. (rises) But 

Barad. Oh, fall back, sir ! 

(First Secretary bows and retires.) 

Joseph. Humph! 

Second Sec. (advances and kneels) The affairs of England, 
sire, most urgent, (gives paper) Charles 
fhe First has lost a battle that decides 



74 KJCHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

One half his realm — craves money, sire, and succour. 

Louis. He shall have both. Eh, Baradas? 

Barad. Yes, sire. 
(Oh, that despatch! my veins are fire.) 

RiCHE. {feebly, but with great distinctness) My liege — 
Forgive me? — Charles's cause is lost. A man, » 

Named Cromwell, risen, a great man! — your succour 
Would fail — your loans be squander'd ! Pause — reflect 

Louis. Reflect — eh, Baradas? 

Barad. Reflect, sire. 

Joseph. Humph ! 

Louis, (aside) I half repent! No successor to Richelieu f 
Round me thrones totter ! — dynasties dissolve — 
The soil he guards alone escapes the earthquake. 

Joseph. Our star not yet eclipsed! — you mark the King? 
Oh, had we the despatch I 

(Enter a Page, l. u. e.) 

RiCHE. Ah !— Joseph !— Child ! 
Would I could help thee! 

(Page whispers to Joseph, who exits hastily, i.. u. e.) 

Barad. (to Secretary) Sir, fall back! 

Second Sec, (rises) But 

Barad. Pshaw, sir! 

(Second Secretary bows and retires, u c.) 

Third Sec. (mysteriously; kneels) The secret 
Correspondence, sire, most urgent — 
Accounts of spies — deserters — heretics — 
Assassins — poisoners — schemers against yourself ! 

(gives paper; Secretary rises.) 

Louis. Myself! — most urgent! (the King seises that papet 
and drops the others.) 
(Re-enter Joseph with Francois, whose pourpoint is streaked 

with blood. Francois passes behind the Cardinal's Attend- 
ants, and, sheltered by them from the sight of Baradas, &c., 

falls at Richelieu's feet.) (Music) 

pRANg. (l, of Richelieu) My Lord I 
I have not fail'd. (gives the packet) 

Riche. Hush! (looking at the contents) 

Third Sec. (to King) Sire, the Spaniards 
Have reinforced their army on the frontiers. 



RICHELIEU ; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 75 

The Due de Bouillon 

RiCHE. Hold ! In this department ! 
A paper — here, sire — read yourself, then take 
The Count's advice on't. 
(The King takes the document and goes center. De Beringhen 

enters R. i. e. hastily and tvhispers to Baradas.) 

Barad. (bursting from De Beringhen) What! and reft it 
from thee ! 
Ha! hold! (going towards the King) 

Joseph, (l. c.) Fall back, son, it is your turn now! 

Louis, (reading, pacing the stage from l. to R.) To 
Bouillon — and sign'd Orleans ! 
Baradas, too ! — league with our foes of Spain ! 
Lead our Italian armies — what ! to Paris I 
Capture the King — my health require repose — 
Make me subscribe my proper abdication — 
Orleans, my brother, Regent! Saints of Heaven! 
These are the men I love! (Richelieu falls back on sofa.) 

Joseph. See to the Cardinal. 

(Baradas is still in the R. corner.) 

Barad. He's dying! — and I shall yet dupe the King. 

Louis, (rushing to Richelieu) Richelieu! — Lord Cardinal! 
— 'tis I resign! 
Reign thou ! 

Joseph, (behind the sofa) Alas! too late!— he faints! 

Louis, (r. of Richelieu) Reign, Richelieu! 

Riche. (feebly) With absolute power? 

Louis. Most absolute! Oh, live. 
If not for me — for France ! 

Riche. France ! 

Louis. Oh, this treason! 
The army — Orleans — Bouillon! Heavens! — the Spaniard! 
Where will they be next week? 

Riche. (starts up, seises paper from the King's hand — 
throws it upon the ground and stamps upon it. There, at 
my feet! The First and Second Secretaries come down, 
kneel before the Cardinal.) Ere the clock strike the 
Envoys have their answer. 
(They pass in front of the Cardinal and exeunt quickly l. i. e.) 

(to Third Secretary, with a ring) 



76 RICHELIEU; OR, THE CONSPIRACY. 

This to De Chavigny — he knows the rest. 

No need of parchment here. He must not halt 

For sleep — for food. In my name — Mine — he will 

Arrest the Due de Bouillon at the head 

Of his army! (exit Third Secretary, l. u. e.) Ho, there! Count 

de Baradas, 
Thou hast lost the stake. Away with him ! 

(Two Guards come down and take Baradas off, R. i. E.) 
Ha, ha ! 
(snatching De Mauprat's death-warrant from the Officer as he 

passes) 
See here, De Mauprat's death-writ, Roland! 
Parchment for battledores! Embrace your friend! 
At last the old man blesses you ! 

RoL. (grasping the hand of De Mauprat) Oh, joy! 
You are saved — you live ! 

Louis, (peevishly, r. c.) One moment makes a startling cure, 
Lord Cardinal. 

RiCHE. Ay, sire ; for in one moment there did pass 
Into this wither'd frame the might of France ! 
My own dear France, I have thee yet — I have saved thee ! 
I clasp thee still ! — it was thy voice that called me 
Back from the tomb! What mistress like our country? 

Louis. For Mauprat's pardon — well, but Julie, Richelieu ; 
Leave me one thing to love. 

RiCHE. A subject's luxury ! 
Yet, if you must love something, sire — love me! 

Louis, (smiling in spite of himself) Fair proxy for a fresh 
young demoiselle ! 

RiCHE. Your heart speaks for my clients. Kneel, my 
children — 
Thank your King. 

(They kneel before the throne — Roland on the outside.) 

RoL. Ah, tears like these, my liege. 
Are dews that mount to Heaven, 

Louis. Rise — rise — be happy. 

RicHE. (comes forward and beckons to De Berinchen) 
De Beringhen! 

De Berin. (falteringly, r.) My Lord — you are — most happily 
— recover'd. 



RICHELIEU ; OK, THE CONSPIRACY. J^ 

RiCHE. But you are pale, dear Beringhen — this air 
Suits not your delicate frame — I long have thought so. 
Sleep not another night in Paris — Go! 
Or else your precious life may be in danger. 
Leave France, dear Beringhen! 

De Berin. St. Denis traveled without his head ; 
I'm luckier than St. Denis. {Exit r. i. e.) 

RiCHE. {to Orleans) For you, repentance — absence — and 
confession! {Exit Orleans, r. i e) 

{to Francois, r.) Never say iail again. — Brave boy! 
{to Joseph, l.) He'll be — A bishop first. 

Joseph. Ah, Cardinal 

RiCHE. Ah, Joseph 

{to Louis) 
See, my liege — see thro' plots and counterplots — 
Thro' gain and loss — thro' glory and disgrace — 
Along the plains, where passionate Discord rears 
I Eternal Babel — still the holy stream 
I Of human happiness glides on! 
I Louis. And must we 
: Thank for that also — our prime minister? 
, RiCHE. No — let us own it — there is One above who 
I Sways the harmonious mystery of the world 
Ev'n better than prime ministers! 



i 



Riche, Joseph 
FraHf. O O De Mau. 

King O O 

Courtiers O 

O 

O Foland 

O 



* Music. 

Curtain. 



L.ofC. 



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